FACTS:
- stalking should not be underestimated
- stalking is a pattern of behavior
- stalking is directed at a specific person - "non-consensual contact"
- to feel fear
- stalkers know the person's vulnerabilities
- each case is unique
- "trying to criminalize non-criminal behavior", this is why if you are experiencing stalking, build proof and evidence
- 3/4 of stalking cases are Domestic Violence Offenders
SLII - ELEMENTS:
S Surveillance - involves an offender watching or monitoring a person’s actions or conversations without his/her knowledge or consent by using one or more electronic devices or platforms.
L Life invasion - involves an offender showing up in a person's life without consent, in public or private settings, and in person or through technology.
I Intimidation - involves an offender who stalks or intimidates another person with the intention of causing the other person to fear physical or mental harm.
I Interference - involves an offender stealing a person's identity, messing with personal accounts, custody cases, physical attacks on you/family/friends, and/or vandalism.
TYPES OF STALKING:
(* means this type is the most dangerous)
Resentful: resentful, bitter, angry, feelings of being mistreated, can arise out of severe mental illness, 'getting back' at the person
*Rejected: revenge, stalking behaviors often occur before the relationship has ended, most common type after breakup/separation/divorce, there is an advantage; stalker knows vulnerabilities and possible inside access to passwords
Intimacy: delusional, the person lets them know "there's no chance" and they continue to pursue, triggers them once the person gets into a new relationship
Incompetent: stalks in the content of loneliness, may lack social skills, their initial motivation is to get a date or short-term sexual relationship, usually stalk for brief periods
*Predatory: planning for an attack, sexual assault, lifestyle attack stalking, no warning signs, deviant sexual practices/interests/fantasies, perpetrators are usually male and praying on the female victim, perpetrators enjoy the sense of power
SLII INDICATORS: Click Link
1. assess stalker type
2. DIF Model - identify: duration, intensity, frequency
3. warning signs - increased level of danger, threats, intimidation, manipulation verbal abuse, harassment, physical assault
WHAT TO DO:
- keep documentation
- show escalation
- establish a pattern
- see the big picture
- safety planning
- trust your gut
- be alert of surroundings but also engage in self-care strategies
- disengage (stop all communication, prove unwanted communication, negative feedback reinforces unwanted behaviors
- file incident report
- get a restraining order
