Everyday more and more people, especially women, are being victimized by stalking as it is a crime on the rise. According to The National Center for Victims of Crime, over one million women and about 400,000 men are stalked each year. Those numbers could be much higher, but it is hard to compute because many do not know they are being stalked. It is almost impossible to know how many people are stalked before they are murdered. With this crime so quickly getting out of control it is important that you know protect yourself. Follow these guidelines and you can be better prepared to stop a stalker.
Instructions
1. Look for signs that imply you are being stalked. Pay attention to see if you are being followed when you are in public. If you are getting calls and the person hangs up on you, it could be a stalker. Be careful if you are getting letters from someone you do not know, or do not know well. Also be leery of receiving gifts at work and at home. If you hear that someone is asking about you, it could be stalker wanting to learn more about you. This may sound harmless, but it is better to be safe then to ignore these signs.
2. Report any suspicious activity that you might think could be linked to a stalker. Call the local police and let them know right away if you feel you might be in danger. Even if you do not have concrete proof, it is better they have the heads up early if there could be a problem. Give them all the details, no matter how insignificant they may sound to you. This will help you and the police to pick up a pattern. Tell trusted friends, family members and neighbors you think that you are being stalked. They can help you keep an eye out as well. Be sure you can trust those who you tell. Remember, they might be the one stalking you.
3. Keep notes or a journal of what is happening to you. This will help you to be able to prove to authorities you are being stalked. It will also help you not to feel like you are loosing your mind. You will hear "it is all in your head" from others. This will help you know that something is amiss.
4. Understand what motivates someone to become a stalker. Wanting control is just one motive. Many stalkers believe they have a relationship with their victim. This is not always the case. Anger, obsession and envy are other reasons people become stalkers. Of course, the stalker may have a mental or personality disorder (1/7 of stalkers are psychotic when they are stalking someone) that causes their behavior.
5. Do not react to the person who is stalking you. Do not confront them or have someone else confront them. Your only action should be to call the police and the stalker should never know that you have done this. Act as if everything is perfectly normal. Many times, stalkers are wanting a reaction. Do not give them what they want.
6. Realize that there is a link between stalking and domestic violence. Former roommates, partners and spouses often turn to stalking when contact has been limited. Be careful of any relationship that did not end well and even those that did. Lack of contact can turn into an obsession or jealousy that you have moved on with your life. Contact your local domestic violence safe house or DV advocacy office. They will also be able to help you.
7. Get a restraining or protection from stalking/abuse order. You local police and court advocate can help you with the specifics of obtaining these orders in your area. Domestic violence advocates can also help you, if your situation meets their guidelines for domestic violence. Do not forget that that these orders are only pieces of paper; they can not stop a bullet.
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