Stalking had played an important role in fatalities and injuries alike. More women than men are victims of stalking; about four out of five all victims of stalking are women. They are most likely to be victims of stalking from a current or former intimate partner. Stalking can be defined as a path of conduct that is directed to a particular individual that involves repeated physical or visual propinquity, non-consensual communication or a combination of both causing fear and emotional distress to a reasonable individual. This communication that is nonconsensual could be written, verbal or implied threats. Stalking also includes sending the victim items that are not wanted, or gifts that may be of a romantic nature, damaging property belonging to the victim, following the victim, using the Internet to bully the victim using social media or emails or spreading rumors and defaming the victim (Harmon & OConnor, 2015).
It is important to recognize the signs of stalking because it can be an issue of life and death. There are cases where stalking has led to the death of the victim. If this stalking behavior is noticed early enough, bodily harm or fatality can be avoided. It is important to note that most of the stalking cases reported as a result of domestic squabbles or from a previous intimate relationship (Spitzberg & Cupach, 2014). A large number of stalking victims are those who were previously intimate and really close to their stalkers. The termination of the relationship may not have amicable and some of the stalkers do not deal with rejection well. This will mean that the stalkers are in a state of denial and do not want to believe that the relationship is over. This causes the stalker to send romantic messages and gifts that may be unwanted by the victim.
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The stalker may follow the victim around since they know their schedules and favorite places to be. Some may resort to coming into contact with the victim by forcefully holding their hands or body and using the extra key and getting into their house. These stalkers are dangerous as there are no standard stalker profiles that exist. They have an unreasonable control over the victim and can turn violent in the face of rejection (Racine & Billick, 2014). These individuals may have one or many psychological conditions; these may range from mental ailments to personality disorders. They have importunate feelings and ideas concerning the object of their affection (Talbot, Nobles & Fisher, 2016). Victims may suffer from psychological disorders caused from the threats and continuous following like anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Physical harm may befall the victims like assault of the victim if and when the stalker is rejected. In few cases, the victim may die, though homicide is rare in stalking cases, it is still probable. It is therefore important to recognize and report these stalkers before it is too late.
There are key issues about stalking that must be brought to light. Stalking is a crime and should not be confused for love. Stalking my not result in physical harm or death, but they cause mental health ailments and conditions to the victim. Stalkers could be categorized into three groups: Erotomanic- these stalkers are convinced that the victim is in love with and would reciprocate were it not for some other influence. Love obsessional- they may be suffering from psychological ailments and are in love with the victim. Simple obsessional- these stalkers are either in a relationship with the victim or used to be in a relationship with the victim. The motivation behind this stalking activity may be a relationship gone sour (Myers, Nelson & Forke, 2016).
There are remedies on how to deal with stalking in a safe manner. The victims should never agree to meet with the stalker. This puts the victim in danger as the stalker may cause bodily harm if confronted. It is important for the victims, friends and family of the victims to report the matter to the police. It is imperative to keep all the details concerning the stalking activity like: times, dates, locations, threats and actions. There are crisis lines that the victims can call so as to know better steps to take protect themselves in the proper way. Caller ID records, telephone conversations, messages and pictures of the stalker that would help build a case against the stalker (Meloy, 2013). Victims should keep reserve money and have safe refuge in case of any emergencies. If individuals think they are victims of stalking they should not travel alone in dark alleys.
VICTIM INTAKE FORM
Date____________________
Full Name ___________________________________________________Female [ ] Male []
Birth Date ___________________
Are you under 18 years of age? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, name of parent/guardian ________________________ Relationship to you ___________________________
Petitioners Place of Birth ______________ Race [ ] Black [ ] White Ethnic Origin ______________________
Address: ____________________________________ City __________________ State ______ Zip Code _________
Tel. No. ( )____ - ____ Alternate No.( )____ - _____ Name and Relation of Contact Person _____________
Does the person who you are filing against know this address? [ ] yes [ ] no
Employer: ____________________________________________________________________
Employers address: _____________________________________________________________
Telephone Number ( ) __________ - ____________ Ext ________
Does the person who you are filing against know where you work? [ ] yes [ ] no
Is the person you are filing against aware of another place you frequent? [ ] yes [ ] no
Name of Place: ________________________________ Address: ________________________
What is your relationship to the person who you are filing against?
[ ] Married [ ] Divorced [ ] Dating, if yes, how long? ______________ [ ] Roommate
[ ] Boyfriend [ ] Former Boyfriend [ ] Intimate Partner [ ] Neighbor
[ ] Girlfriend [ ] Former Girlfriend [ ] other, please specify: _________________
Do you or have you ever lived with the person you are filing against? [ ] yes [ ] no
Are you currently living with the person you are filing against? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, do you have an alternative place to stay tonight? [ ] yes [ ] no
Are there any children in common with the person you are filing against? [ ] yes [ ] no
Childrens Name Date of Birth
1. _________________________________________ 1.______________________________________________
2. _________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________
3. _________________________________________ 3. ______________________________________________
If yes, are the children currently residing or staying with the person you are filing against? [ ] yes [ ] no
Do you fear that the respondent will abuse, remove or hide minor children? [ ] yes [ ] no
Would your children be in danger if an Injunction for Protection is not issued today? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, please explain.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Are you a victim of:
[ ] verbal abuse
[ ] psychological abuse
[ ] sexual abuse
[ ] physical abuse
[ ] stalking
The last episode of abuse took place:
[ ] This week [ ] Last week [ ] A month ago [ ] Three months ago
[ ] Six months ago [ ] One year ago [ ] More than one year ago [ ] other ________________
Specific Date of the last incident: ___________________________
Briefly describe the last incident of physical abuse, sexual abuse or stalking:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to file a restraining order? [ ] yes [ ] no
In addition to filing for a restraining order, will you be in need of any other services? [ ] yes [ ] no
Briefly describe any specific area in which you need service.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
The following information requested is for the person you are filing against:
Name _______________________________________________________________________
[ ] Female [ ] Male
Birth Date _______________________
Is the Respondent known by a nickname/alias? _________________________________________________________
Is this person under 18 years of age? [ ] yes [ ] no
If yes, name of parent/guardian ________________________ Relationship to him/her________
Respondents Place of Birth _______________ Race [ ] Black [ ] White Ethnic Origin
Address: ____________________________________ City __________________ State ______ Zip Code _________
Telephone Number ( ) __________ - ____________ Alternate Number ( ) __________ - ____________
What is a good time to find this person at home? ______________________________
Is there any other address where the respondent can be served? ____________________
What is the best time to find the respondent at the address above? ________________________
Employer ____________________________________________________________________
Employers address ______________________________________________________
Telephone Number ( ) __________ - ____________ Ext ________
Days off from work _______________________________ Work hours ___________________
Physical Description: Height ___ ft ___ in Weight ___ lbs Hair color _____ Eye color _______
Any distinguishing marks, scars or tattoos? [ ] yes [ ] no If yes, please identify one __________________________
Vehicle information: Year ________ Make ________ Model __________ Color _________
Does this person own, possess and/or is known to possess a firearm? [ ] yes [ ] no [ ] I don't know If yes, what type(s) ____________
Has the Respondent threatened to use it against you? [ ] yes [ ] no [ ]
Is this person required to carry/use a firearm in the capacity of his/her job? [ ] yes [ ] no
Does this person have a drug problem? [ ] yes [ ] no [ ] I don't know
Does this person have an alcohol problem? [ ] yes [ ] no [ ] I don't know
Does this person have a history of clinically diagnosed mental health problems? [ ] yes [ ] no [ ] I don't know
Since when have you known this person (date)? __________________________
References
Harmon, R. B., & OConnor, M. F. A. (2015). Evidence-Based Reviews What stalking victims need to restore their mental and somatic health Victims mood, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms require prompt care Current Psychiatry 2015 June; 14 (6): 43-47. Current Psychiatry , 14 (6), 43-47.
Spitzberg, B. H., & Cupach, W. R. (2014). The dark side of relationship pursuit: From attraction to obsession and stalking . Routledge.
Racine, C., & Billick, S. (2014). Classification systems for stalking behavior. Journal of forensic sciences , 59 (1), 250-254.
Talbot, K., Nobles, M. R., & Fisher, B. S. (2016). A Multi-Theoretical Framework to Assess Gendered Stalking Victimization. Justice Quarterly , 33 (2), 319-347.
Myers, R. K., Nelson, D. B., & Forke, C. M. (2016). Occurrence of Stalking Victimization Among Female and Male Undergraduate Students. Journal of College Student Development , 57 (2), 213-218.
Meloy, J. R. (2013). Stalking.
