National Domestic Violence Awareness Project

calvcp:

The truth on #Stalking. 5 common myths that are absolutely false and what you can do to prevent, report & find help.

Read more on CalVCP’s latest blog 

This January, CalVCP joins the nation in observing the 10th anniversary of National Stalking Awareness Month. In standing with President Obama’s Proclamation, we dedicate this month to “pursuing justice for victims of stalking and ensuring survivors receive the support they need.” 

According to California law, stalking is defined as willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing another person. It’s not necessarily a single criminal act, but a series of actions directed at a person that causes the victim to fear for his or her safety.

Stalking can include:

• Unwanted phone calls, texts, letters, emails, or gifts 
• Following or spying
• Tracking actions, location, or private information using technology
• Spreading rumors
• Showing up at places; Waiting for victim
• Harassing victim’s friends or family

It’s worth noting that the word “stalking” has undergone a bizarre evolution in today’s popular culture, with modern technologies blurring the line between destructive crime and casual pastime. Trendy teenagers and young adults can often be heard joking about “Facebook stalking” their best friends or potential partners, a reference to the tracking of a person’s social media page for pictures, status updates, and other personal information. This seemingly innocuous term is in fact very dangerous, as it essentially decriminalizes stalking and minimizes the severity of a very illegal offense. Coincidentally, persons ages 18 to 24 experience the highest rate of stalking victimization. We must teach our youth that stalking is not a joke. It’s not romantic. Far too often, threats can escalate into physical assault or even homicide.It is time to dispel the many common myths that allow stalking behaviors to persist. 

The following are examples of widely held misconceptions surrounding stalking: 

• Stalking is annoying, but it’s not illegal. 
  False. Stalking is a crime not just in California, but in all 50 U.S. states.
• Stalking is a celebrity problem. 
  False. Approximately 6.6 million people are stalked each year in the United States. 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men become victims of stalking at some point during their lifetime.
• Most victims are stalked by strangers. 
  False. Most people are not stalked by strangers, but by someone they know. The most common instance – and most dangerous – is intimate partner stalking.
• It’s not considered stalking if you’re dating the person.  
  False. If the behavior is recurring, unwanted, and causes fear, harassment, or anxiety, it is stalking – regardless of the source.

Stalking is more than just an annoyance or unwanted attention. It’s an abusive behavior and a serious crime. By recognizing this fact and helping to change attitudes, we can better provide support and healing to victims as well as hold their stalkers accountable.

If you or someone you know is being victimized by a stalker, there are a variety of resources available to help: 

• If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 
• Contact a local victim advocate: Victim Witness Assistance Centers in California
• The Office of the Attorney General
• Financial assistance for crime-related costs: The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP)
• Get a confidential address: Safe at Home, California Secretary of State
• More information on stalking awareness: National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center

Join me this January for National Stalking Awareness Month as we stand behind victims, survivors, law enforcement, first responders, advocates, and service providers in the collaborative effort to create a safer nation for all. 

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.