Malcolm Rivera
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, surveillance, or contact directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. While stalking is a gender-neutral crime, with both male and female perpetrators and victims, statistics indicate that most victims are female and most perpetrators are male. Stalking can take many forms, including non-consensual communication, such as repeated phone calls, emails, text messages, and unwanted gifts, as well as physical or visual closeness, like following someone or watching them from a distance. In some jurisdictions, stalking may be considered a criminal offense, and victims can seek legal protection through restraining orders or other measures. To establish stalking, it is important to document and gather evidence of the unwanted contacts or attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear." |
| Legal Definition | United Kingdom law states that the incident only has to happen twice when the harasser should be aware their behavior is unacceptable. |
| Victims | Victims are typically unaware of how their stalkers began stalking them. Most victims are female and the primary perpetrators are male. |
| Forms | Threats, non-consensual communication, repeated physical or visual closeness, cyberstalking, leaving unwanted items, verbal threats, etc. |
| Actions | Following, watching, harassing, contacting through phone, postal mail, email, text, social networking sites, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Repeated phone calls, emails, text messages, and letters
While the specific number of contacts that constitutes stalking is not defined, it is important to note that stalking is a criminal offence in most parts of the world. Even actions that may seem legal, such as calling, texting, or emailing, can become illegal when they breach the legal definition of harassment. For example, in the United Kingdom, an incident only needs to happen twice for it to be considered stalking when the harasser should be aware their behaviour is unacceptable.
If you are experiencing repeated unwanted phone calls, emails, text messages, or letters, it is important to take action. You can start by clearly communicating that you wish for the contact to stop. It is important to then refrain from responding to any further communication. Keep evidence of the unwanted contact, such as saving emails, texts, voicemails, or taking screenshots of conversations. Inform friends, family, supervisors, and co-workers of the situation and consider reporting the stalking to law enforcement.
Stalking can be unpredictable and dangerous, and it is important to take it seriously. It can cause victims to alter their routines, live in fear, or be physically endangered. If you are experiencing stalking, consider contacting a confidential staff member, a domestic violence advocate, or a victim's rights group for support and guidance on creating a safety plan.
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Non-consensual communication
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. While the number of contacts necessary to constitute stalking is not specifically defined, it typically involves multiple instances of non-consensual communication.
The impact of non-consensual communication can be significant, causing fear, anxiety, and a sense of intrusion in the victim's life. It is important to recognize that even a single unwanted communication can be considered harassment, and when such behavior is repeated, it can escalate into stalking. Victims of non-consensual communication often experience a sense of violation and a loss of control, as the stalker disregards their boundaries and continues to invade their personal space, either virtually or physically.
To address non-consensual communication, it is crucial for the recipient to clearly communicate their wishes to stop all contact. This can be done directly or through an intermediary, such as a mutual acquaintance or law enforcement. It is important to keep records of all unwanted communications, including the content, frequency, and any patterns or escalation in behavior. This documentation can be crucial evidence if legal action becomes necessary.
In some cases, non-consensual communication may be a precursor to more dangerous behavior, such as physical stalking or even violence. Victims should take their instincts and feelings seriously and seek help if they feel unsafe. This can include reaching out to local law enforcement, domestic violence advocates, or stalking resource centers for guidance on safety planning and legal options.
While the threshold for what constitutes stalking may vary across jurisdictions, it is generally recognized as a series of actions that cause fear and distress in the victim. Non-consensual communication is a significant aspect of stalking behavior and should not be minimized or ignored. Victims should prioritize their safety and well-being, taking proactive steps to protect themselves and seeking support from professionals and loved ones.
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Gathering information about you
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. While stalking is illegal in most parts of the world, some actions that contribute to stalking may be legal, such as gathering information.
Stalkers may gather information about you in a variety of ways, including:
- Using public records, online search services, or hiring investigators
- Going through your garbage
- Contacting people you know
- Making small but noticeable changes to your property, like moving a flower pot
- Having someone else do any of these things, like having a friend follow you
What to do if you think you are being stalked
If you think you are being stalked, it is important to take steps to increase your safety and effectively report the crime. Here are some things you can do:
- Avoid the person stalking you, if possible
- Document everything, including all incidents and contacts, along with the time, date, and other relevant information
- Save everything the stalker sends you, including emails, text messages, voicemails, letters, packages, etc.
- Take screenshots of conversations or print out email exchanges
- Inform family, friends, supervisors, and co-workers of the situation
- Create a safety plan, possibly with the help of a professional
- Contact law enforcement or a victim's rights advocate group for further guidance and support
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Making small but noticeable changes to your property
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. According to UK law, the incident only has to happen twice when the harasser should be aware that their behaviour is unacceptable. However, there is no specific number of contacts by a stranger that constitutes stalking, as it depends on various factors such as the context, frequency, and nature of the interactions.
- Place real property in a trust and list utilities under the name of the trust. This will help to keep your personal information confidential and make it more difficult for a stalker to find your home address or information about your property.
- Utilize a private mailbox service and file for confidential voter status. This will prevent your personal mail from being easily accessible and reduce the risk of a stalker obtaining your information.
- Install security measures such as deadbolt locks, outside lighting, and a smoke detector system. These measures will make it more difficult for intruders to enter your home undetected and will improve your overall safety.
- Vary your routes and stay in public areas whenever possible. By being unpredictable and staying in populated places, you make it harder for a potential stalker to follow or locate you.
- Inform trusted neighbours about the situation. They can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and provide support or assistance if needed.
- If you plan to keep a firearm for protection, ensure that all adults in the household are trained in its use and storage. Firearms can be effective for protection, but they should be handled responsibly and securely stored away from children.
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Sending gifts
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. While the number of contacts by a stranger that constitutes stalking varies depending on the jurisdiction, it is important to note that even a single incident can be considered stalking if it involves a credible threat of violence. Sending gifts can be considered stalking if it is done repeatedly and the recipient has made it clear that they do not want to receive them.
According to the Department of Justice, stalking behavior can take many forms, including non-consensual communication, such as repeated phone calls, emails, text messages, and unwanted gifts. Stalking is a crime in all 50 states of the United States, and victims have legal options available to them. If you are being stalked through the receipt of unwanted gifts, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and report the stalking to the appropriate authorities.
If you are receiving unwanted gifts from a stranger, it is important to keep a record of the incidents, including the time, date, and any other relevant information. You should also keep any evidence, such as gift packaging, cards, or notes that may have been included with the gifts. Additionally, you can inform your family, friends, supervisors, and co-workers about the situation and ask them to keep written records and let you know if the stalker contacts them.
It is also important to consider your safety when dealing with a stalker who is sending unwanted gifts. You may want to change your address or get a post office box to protect your location. You can also contact your local police department to discuss your options and seek help from domestic violence shelters or support groups. If you feel that your safety is at risk, you can also consider obtaining a restraining order against the stalker, which requires them to stay away from you and have no contact with you.
While sending gifts can be a form of expression in many cases, it is important to respect the recipient's wishes if they have made it clear that they do not want to receive them. Continued sending of gifts after such a request can be considered stalking and can have legal consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, or contact by an individual or group toward another person. Stalking can be physical, such as following someone, or it can be through the use of technology, like email or social media.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific circumstances and local laws. Generally, stalking is considered a repeated pattern of behaviour rather than a single incident. However, in the United Kingdom, the incident only needs to happen twice for it to be considered stalking.
If you think you are being stalked, it is important to take it seriously and take steps to protect yourself. You should keep a record of any incidents, including time, date, and any relevant details. Save any evidence, such as emails, text messages, voicemails, or letters. You should also inform people close to you, such as family, friends, and colleagues, and consider reporting the stalking to the police or a domestic violence shelter.
If you are being stalked, you have several legal options available. You can file for a protection order, also known as a restraining order, which requires the stalker to stay away from you and cease all contact. You can also report the stalking to the police, who can help you file a complaint and may be able to press charges depending on the specific circumstances and local laws.
