Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Unlike other crimes that involve a single incident, stalking is a pattern of behavior. It is often made up of individual acts that could, by themselves, seem harmless or noncriminal, but when taken in the context of a stalking situation, could constitute criminal acts. – Victim Connect Resource Center
Have you had someone follow you and show up wherever you are? Either online or in person?
Has someone sent unwanted or excessive gifts, letters, direct messages, or emails to you?
Do you feel like someone is monitoring your phone calls, computer use, or social media activity?
Has someone posted information or spread rumors about you on the Internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth?
If you answered any of these questions with a “yes” for yourself or for someone you care about, you should keep reading this because it has information that may help you better understand stalking.
What can I do?
While there is no universal set of steps that will work for everyone, these actions may help you feel in control of your life again:
Call 911 for Immediate Assistance – You know yourself and your situation better than anyone. Trust your instincts and call for help if you feel you are in danger.
Alert Others – Tell trusted friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and/or your HR department to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and so they don’t mistakenly give out information to someone pretending to be a loved one.
Connect with an Advocate – Advocates can often be found at local domestic violence and/or sexual assault agencies, police departments, and district attorney’s offices. Advocates can help explain local stalking laws, walk you through filing a protective order, connect you with local services, and help you develop a safety plan.
Document Every Incident – Make a log of encounters with the stalker, hang-up calls, and public sightings. Save all messages, emails, and your call history. Consider using this incident and behavior log form from the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC).
End All Contact – Sometimes this is easier said than done, but try not to answer calls or messages, even if you are requesting that the stalker stop. Any contact may encourage the stalker to continue the stalking behavior.
Take Threats Seriously –A direct threat against you is an obvious sign of danger. A stalker can also use threats of suicide or self-harm to manipulate you into staying in contact or a dangerous situation.
Create a Safety Plan – Develop a personalized plan to keep yourself safe. Find help doing this here or connect with an advocate for assistance.
Prepare Your Children – Teach your children what to do if there is an emergency, like where to hide if there is danger in the house, or how to call the police or a trusted person for help.
We Are Survivors: https://www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/
The Truth About Women Who Stalk
Overcoming stereotypes could help more victims get help. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202305/the-truth-about-female-stalkers
Stalking and criminal harassment in Yukon more common than most realize, says support worker
Yukoners more likely to be victims of unwanted surveillance or contact than most Canadians, according to data
Katie Todd · CBC News · Posted: Jan 12, 2024
Criminal Harassment Laws in Canada
Part VIII of the Criminal Code / Against the Person and Reputation
Stalking
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted contact or behavior that leads someone to feel upset, anxious, or scared for his or her safety.
Stalking is a consistent and intentional pattern of behavior as opposed to one or two isolated incidents. It persists after the individual has asked the stalker to stop contacting them. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/stalking