January is National Stalking Awareness Month!
Stalking is a dangerous pattern of systematic, deliberate behaviors that can have a long-lasting impact for survivors, and is a crime under the laws of all 50 states, District of Columbia, US territories, and Federal government. In Colorado, stalking is charged as a felony upon first offense. Per Colorado law stalking is defined as:
(1) A person commits stalking if directly, or indirectly through another person, the person knowingly:
(a) Makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with the threat, repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, or places under surveillance that person, a member of that person’s immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship; or
(b) Makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with the threat, repeatedly makes any form of communication with that person, a member of that person’s immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship, regardless of whether a conversation ensues; or
(c) Repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, places under surveillance, or makes any form of communication with another person, a member of that person’s immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to suffer serious emotional distress and does cause that person, a member of that person’s immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship to suffer serious emotional distress. For purposes of this paragraph (c), a victim need not show that he or she received professional treatment or counseling to show that he or she suffered serious emotional distress.
What Does Stalking Look Like?
Stalking can take on several forms, but there are certain tactics that are most frequently used by perpetrators, which can be identified as SLII Strategies (Surveillance, Life Invasion, Interference, Intimidation).
Who Does the Stalking?
Despite popular myth, perpetrators of stalking are not simply just “creepy strangers”. In fact, in a majority of stalking cases, the perpetrator is someone known to the victim.
Technology is a Growing Problem in Stalking Cases.
More than twice as many victims are stalked with technology than without. Technology such as phones, tracking devices, and hidden cameras, as well as social media platforms can all become tools utilized to monitor and harass the victim.
What Can We Do About Stalking?
When dealing with stalking, documentation is key. In order to report a case or seek a civil protection order, it is important to document each and every incident you are aware of, including date, time, location, and what occurred.
The Stalking Prevention and Awareness Center (SPARC) also recommends the following for safety planning:
- Trust your instincts. Victims of stalking often feel pressured by friends or family to downplay the stalker’s behavior, but stalking poses a real threat of harm. Your safety is paramount.
- Call the police if you feel you are in any immediate danger. Explain why the stalker’s actions are causing you fear.
- Keep a record or log of each contact with the stalker.
- Save evidence when possible. Stalkers often use technology to contact their victims. Save all emails, text messages, photos, and postings on social networking sites as evidence of the stalking behavior. You may also want to consider how to use your technology and your devices in a safer manner. For more information, please visit the National Network to End Domestic Violence Safety Net Project’s Tech Safety Site.
- Get connected with a local victim service provider who can assist you in exploring your options as well as discuss safety planning.
Arkansas Valley Resource Center believes no one should struggle with stalking alone. Know that 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, AVRC Staff are available to support you.
Help is just a call away!
415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656
Statistics and infographics provided by the Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC)
https://www.stalkingawareness.org/
AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding age, race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.