Stalking

Stalking isn’t just annoying, it presents a real, ongoing threat, and should not be taken lightly.

The legal definition of stalking is “a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.”

  • The majority of victims know the stalker, although in some cases stalkers may be complete strangers

  • Around 20% of stalkers use weapons to threaten or harm targets

  • Fewer than 40% of victims seek help

  • Almost 76% of intimate partner murders carried evidence of stalking in the prior year.

Dynamics of Stalking – S.L.I.I.

The S.L.I.I. model describes common characteristics of stalking, but are not limited to these alone: Surveillance, Life invasion, Interference, and Intimidation.

Surveillance: Does an ex-partner, a family member, or an acquaintance know much more about you or your private life than you have shared?

Life invasion: In what ways does the stalker make their presence known to you, or to others in your life?

Interference: has the stalker targeted you, your property, or people around you? This may look like vandalism, theft, or even contact by third-parties.

Intimidation: have you received threats or messages? A common tactic is to share specific, meaningful messages that only a victim would understand.

How We Can Help

DCRC Legal Advocates regularly assist with restraining orders, communications with law enforcement, and court accompaniment for victims. We are NOT attorneys, but are available to safety plan and review case information before, during, or after a legal proceeding. Contact the Family Justice Center at (919) 450-8970.

Unfortunately, the DCRC can not help with legal assistance with non-intimate partner stalking (a workmate, neighbor, etc.). We can provide other resources in these circumstances, however.

Resources

A number of resources and tools exist to enhance survivor awareness of danger, and help providers to plan accordingly.

  • Tracing a Stalker

    Unsure of how to collect and store evidence? DCRC recommends using the
    Stalking incident and behavior log developed by SPARC, and to always trust a survivor’s instincts.

  • Danger Assessment

    The Stalking and Harassment Assessment and Risk Profile (SHARP) is a provider tool to “deep dive” into a stalking situation. It is not recommended that survivors do this themselves, but with support of a trained advocate. DCRC personnel are here to help.

  • If you are gathering evidence to present to law enforcement or in court, we suggest reviewing this guide in preparation.