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Stalking is a pattern of behavior that makes you feel afraid, nervous, harassed, or in danger. It is when someone repeatedly contacts you, follows you, sends you things, talks to you when you don’t want them to, or threatens you. Stalking behaviors can include:

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• Knowing your schedule.

• Showing up at places you go.

• Sending mail, e-mail, and pictures.

• Calling or texting repeatedly.

• Contacting you or posting about you on social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc).

• Writing letters.

• Damaging your property.

• Creating a Website about you.

• Sending gifts.

• Stealing things that belong to you.

• Any other actions to contact, harass, track, or frighten you.

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Sometimes people stalk their boyfriends or girlfriends while they’re dating. They check up on them, text or call them all the time and expect instant responses, follow them, and generally keep track of them even when they haven’t made plans to be together. These stalking behaviors can be part of an abusive relationship. If this is happening to you or someone you know, there are people you can talk to about it.

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Stalking is a crime and can be dangerous. The legal definition of stalking and possible punishment for it is different in every state. Contact a victim advocate or your local police to learn about stalking laws and your rights in your state. 
 

 

If You Are Being Stalked, You Might:

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• Feel helpless, anxious, fearful, angry or depressed.

• Feel like you can never get away from the person who is stalking you.

• Think the person is always watching you.

• Feel frustrated that the person won’t leave you alone.

• Have difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

• Have nightmares.

• Lose or gain weight.

• Not know what might happen next.

 

 

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What to do

 

If you are stalked, it is not your fault. People who use controlling, harassing, or threatening actions are responsible for their own behavior. If you believe that someone may be stalking you, you can:

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• Contact the police

• Tell a friend, or someone you can trust

• Call Voices Against Violence 208-733-0100