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[an error occurred while processing this directive]Most states define stalking as the willful, malicious, and repeated following and harassing of another person. All states have laws against stalking.
Stalking can include threatening behavior (direct or indirect), spying, uninvited appearances at a persons home, work, or place of recreation, harassing phone calls, written messages or left objects, and vandalizing property. Stalking can also occur via the Internet. Incidents of stalking should not be trivialized. The act of stalking can be extremely threatening and dangerous. Stalking behaviors may or may not be accompanied by a credible threat of serious harm. Stalking can lead to physical violence or death. Victims frequently live in fear and may significantly alter their lives in an attempt to find safety.
Although both men and women can be perpetrators or victims of stalking, most reported stalkers are men. Studies indicate that stalking behavior may be a means of exerting control over, or instilling fear in victims. Stalkers can be spouses, ex-partners, acquaintances or strangers, however most victims know their stalkers. Some studies indicate that stalkers develop a "love obsession" or fixation with a person where no prior personal relationship existed. Many instances of stalking, however, are preceded by the existence of an intimate relationship between the stalker and victim.
A restraining order is a court order forbidding an individual to come into contact with another individual. If a restraining order is violated, this needs to be reported to the police immediately. This is the only way that the police will know that your safety is in danger, and then they can intervene. If you have filed a restraining order you should keep a copy of this with you at all times as proof of an existing restraining order. It is sometimes difficult for police to verify restraining orders and this written proof can be extremely helpful. To clarify, if you need to get a restraining order you must go through the court system. If you need to report a violation of that restraining order you must call the police immediately. In cases of emergency after court hours, an emergency protective order can be requested by the police officer that responds to a situation that posses immediate danger to an individual. They must receive approval from an on duty court official. There are emergency, temporary and permanent restraining orders. Understanding restraining orders can be very confusing.
For additional information regarding restraining orders go to: www.stalkingassistance.comwww.csia.nct/State%20Stalking%20Laws.htm
www.ncvc.org/special/stalking.htm
www.ncvc.org/laws/issues/stalking/fedstalk.htm
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/grants/stalk98/appendb.htm
www.ink.oeg/public/ksag/contents/testimony/pfa-legislation.htm
Stalking Resources on the Internet: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/grants/stalk98/appende.htm
National Center For Victims of Crime: www.ncvc.org/special/stalking.htm
Stalking and Domestic Violence: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/grants/stalk98
Violence Against Women Online Resources: www.vaw.umn.edu/stalk.asp
The Stalking Assistance Site: www.stalkingassistance.com
The Antistalking Website: www.antistalking.com
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: www.privacyrights.org
Aardvarc.org: www.aardvarc.org
Crimes and Punishments Charts: www.crimeandpunishment.net/
National Center For Victims of Crime: www.ncvc.org/special/stalking.htm
State Stalking Laws: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/grants/stalk98/appendb.htm
National Center For Victims of Crime: www.ncvc.org
2001 Kansas legislation: www.ink.org/public/ksag/contents/testimony/pfa-legislation.htm
Stalking Assistance Site: www.stalkingassistance.com