NH Voices Against Violence stalking

Info on stalking.

Stalking

Stalking is a very serious problem that affects approximately 1.4 million Americans. While many stalkers don't physically harm their victims, the inferred threat of violence can be terrifying and it is impossible to predict violence. A stalker attempts to exert the same power and control over the victim as with other types of abuse and assault, even though abuse or assault may not have occurred. Victims of stalking are likely to suffer from fear, anxiety and disruption of their daily lives.

 

How common is stalking?

Unlike most violent crimes, law enforcement officials do not track the incidence of stalking offenses as part of their normal crime reporting process. Since there is virtually no empirical data available, no one knows just how common stalking cases are in the United States. Best estimates indicate that as many as 200,000 Americans are currently being stalked. Moreover, 1 in 20 women will become targets of a stalker at least once during their lifetimes.

 

Preventive measures:

• § Install solid core doors with dead bolts. If the victim cannot account for all keys, change locks and secure spare keys.
• § If possible, install adequate outside lighting. Trim back bushes and vegetation around residence; install motion-activated lights.
• § Maintain an unlisted phone number. If harassing calls persist. Notify law enforcement, but also keep a written log of harassing class and any answering machine tapes of calls containing the stalker's voice and messages.
• § Vary travel routes, stores, restaurants, etc., which are regularly used. Limit time walking, jogging, etc. and change routes often.
• § Inform a trusted neighbor and/or colleagues about the situation. Provide them with a photo or description of suspect and any possible vehicles he/she may drive.
• § When out of the house or work environment, if at all possible try not to travel alone and try to stay in public areas. If you ever need assistance, yell "FIRE" to get immediate attention, because people are more apt to respond to this cry for assistance more than to any other.

 

Alternative Avenues of Assistance:

• § Domestic violence shelters or counselors
• § Rape crisis programs or counselors
• § Victim assistance coordinators in the prosecutor's office
• § Law enforcement