Violence against women -- stalking

2 of 4

Domestic violence occurs daily in our community and we should not ignore this crisis especially if the victim is a friend, sister, mother or daughter. The domestic violence abuser obtains power through the control they impose over their victim. This type of power and control eventually results in physical assaults. However, in the case of stalking it may be weeks, months or even years to see the scars inflicted upon their victims.

In most communities stalking can be easily dismissed by the general public unless you are the one being stalked. Stalking is another method the abuser can utilize to "control" the victim's life after their relationship has ended. The Parker Police Department has investigated cases where the stalker would continuously telephone, leave voice mails or text messages during all hours of the day and night.

The stalker will tell their victims how they cannot live without them in their life and will do anything to restart the relationship. When the stalker's advances are denied by the victim the stalker may start calling and leave threatening messages.

Stalkers have also been known to spread rumors about their victims with the intent of slandering their reputation to gain sympathy from mutual friends and family members. Victims have also reported seeing their ex-partner parked in a car outside her home or work place for hours at a time. Stalkers generally show up at community events where they know the victim will be attending and will approach and contact the victim in public places such as a grocery store or parking lot.

The police department has also investigated cases where video cameras were used as visual and listening devices or other technical devices to track victims.

Stalking is a crime and is not a role out of a movie where the relationship ends and he wins her back by continually coming to her work, calling her on the phone or texting until she agrees to talk to him. When the relationship is over, one party needs to clearly state to the other person to leave them alone, do not call or contact them for any reason. If possible, do this in the presence of a third party.

Stalking is a felony in the State of Arizona and defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Individuals must have feared for their safety or that of a family member as a result of the course of conduct, or have experienced additional threatening behaviors.

13-2923 ARS: Stalking; classification; definitions. A person commits stalking if the person intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct that is directed toward another person and if that conduct would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person's safety. "Course of conduct" means maintaining visual or physical proximity to a specific person or directing verbal, written or other threats, whether express or implied, to a specific person on two or more occasions over a period of time, however short, but does not include constitutionally protected activity.

Although women were at greater risk than men for stalking victimization; women and men were equally likely to experience harassment.

If these events are occurring in your life and you actually find it disturbing or frightening then you may be a victim of stalking. There is a fine line between romantic pursuit and stalking behavior. The only person who can say when that line has been crossed is the person being pursued. What one person calls romantic, another may call harassing.

People who are being stalked often don't do anything to help themselves because they feel overwhelmed or even embarrassed of the situation. This is exactly what the stalker wants, for you to feel helpless. Do not surrender control over your life to the stalker, this is what he wants; you will have to take action to stop it.

Depending upon the severity of the stalking, victims suffered a range of emotions as they experienced stalking. The most common fears cited by victims were not knowing what would happen next and being afraid the behavior would never stop. Victims reported that they had lost time from work because of fear for their safety or to pursue activities such as getting a restraining order or testifying in court.

If you believe you are a stalking victim please notify the Parker Police Department to make a report, ask for protection and assistance. With the advancement of technology, stalking has changed. Stalkers keep finding new ways to harass their victims. Currently, text messaging and emails and GPS capabilities on your cell phone are emerging as one of the most commonly used means of harassment. Victims should save all messages or threats left on your answering machine or voicemail and keep a log of all contacts made by stalker.

We are fortunate in our community to have the Colorado River Regional Crisis Shelter. They have trained staff who will answer questions; provide counseling and provide emergency shelter if necessary. Phone calls are strictly confidential. When you call for assistance, advice or information your identity will be protected. If someone needs help or just wants some questions answered, please call their hotline number at 1-888-499-0911, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This is the second of four articles on "Violence against Women" in our community. The Third article will discuss will cover sexual assaults in our community. The fourth article will discuss "Protective orders."

Again, the purposes of these articles are to elevate awareness, inform and educate our community to these types of crimes and how to protect you, a friend or family member. For further information please contact the Parker Police Department at (918) 669-2264.

Additional references are:

DOJ, Department of Justice, www.OJP.USDOJ.GOV

IACP, International Chiefs of Police, www. IACP.org.

Current Rating: 0 of 0 votes!

Rate File: Select Rating: * ** *** ****