Stalking: Things to Know

Stalking:  Things to Know
With January having been National Stalking Awareness Month it is key to not only recognize stalking behavior, but to be aware of how to deal with a stalker. Often times, individuals believe if they ignore the actions of the stalker, the stalker will lose interest and go away. However, Kris Mohandie, a Clinical Police & Forensic Psychologist, says this doesn’t work with stalkers who are already violating the boundaries of normal behavior and making their target feel unsafe. Mohandie advises you should NOT engage with a stalker directly.

Here are some steps to help increase your safety if you are being stalked:

  1. Contact Haven House at 1-800-440-4633 and speak to an advocate.
  2. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
  3. Avoid all contact with the stalker.
  4. Photograph and document all behaviors, messages, phone calls, and any other actions of the stalker and turn the information over to police.
  5. Increase security measures in your life (locks, alarms, security camera, etc.).
  6. Make others in your life aware of the stalker and the stalker’s behavior.

There are often four kinds of stalkers:

  1. Public Figure Stalker: Have not had any prior relationship with their victim.
  2. Private Stranger Stalker: Crosses paths with a victim in some way and then that person becomes a target.
  3. Acquaintance Stalker: Pursues acquaintances like co-workers, classmates, or someone else in their life. Acquaintance stalkers have about a 50%
    risk of violence.
  4. Intimate Stalkers: This is the most common and most dangerous stalker. The risk of violence is about 74% and could include anything from pushing
    and shoving to a more violent assault. Intimate stalkers would have been in some type of relationship with the victim at some point.

Psychologist Kris Mohandie notes that many domestic violence homicides have a stalking component.

If you believe you are being stalked, reach out to our advocates today. The advocates at Haven House will work with you to create and implement a safety plan. It’s free and confidential. Call 1-800-440-4633 to speak to an advocate today.

*Some info from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-to-do-if-youre-being-stalked-advice-from-an-expert/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]