The dictionary defines stalking as the act of willfully and repeatedly following or harassing another person causing the other person to be fearful due to express or implied threats. Stalking is a public health problem that affects millions of people in the United States.Stalking tactics, according to the CDC, include:
- Unwanted following and watching of the victim
- Unwanted approaching or showing up in places, such as the victim’s home, workplace, or school
- Unwanted use of global positioning system (GPS) technology to monitor or track the victim’s location
- Leaving strange or potentially threatening items for the victim to find
- Sneaking into the victim’s home or car and doing things to scare the victim or let the victim know the perpetrator had been there
- Use of technology (e.g., hidden camera, recorder, computer software) to spy on the victim from a distance
- Unwanted phone calls, including hang-ups and voice messages
- Unwanted texts, emails, social media, or photo messages
- Unwanted cards, letters, flowers, or presents
Here are some helpful resources:
- Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Here is a link to the California Courts Self Help Guide to Restraining Orders: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/CH-restraining-order