Apparently stalking is becoming more commonplace and the persistent invasion of privacy can make life hell for the victim.
The researchers defined stalking as a course of conduct, directed at a specific person on at least two separate occasions, that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. The most commonly reported types of stalking were unwanted phone calls (66 percent), unsolicited letters or e-mail (31 percent), or having rumors spread about the victim (36 percent) [emphasis mine].
Research I have read about stalkers indicates that the best and perhaps only solution is to move out of the area and leave no forwarding address. It is difficult to get help from the police or even to have the stalker evaluated by mental health authorities until their behavior becomes criminal.
The federal government and all 50 states have enacted laws making stalking a crime, but the laws and definitions of stalking vary widely.
The survey’s authors tracked a range of stalking behaviors, including waiting for the victim at a certain location, sending unwanted messages or leaving an unwanted present.
“While individually these acts may not be criminal, collectively and repetitively these behaviors may cause a victim to fear for his or her safety or the safety of a family member,” the report said.
About 40 percent of the victims reported the stalking to the police, and about one-fifth filed charges.
The largest previous study of stalking, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005, estimated that 7 million women and 2 million men in the U.S. had been stalked at some time during their life. It found that violence was committed against the stalking victims in at least 25 percent of the cases.
The last line above has certainly affected my life and played a part in the decisions I have made with my children.
It should be noted the stalker’s life is also ruined by virtue of the all consuming obsession with the victim. Stalking is an unhealthy behavior and demands treatment.
