- The stalker’s motivation;
- His or her prior relationship with the victim;
- Whether the stalker is psychotic.
Knowing the typology can help determine the risk to victims and guide effective and protective victim responses. Typologies may overlap. Both psychotic and nonpsychotic stalkers are equally likely to threaten, but nonpsychotic stalkers are twice as likely to assault.
Restraining orders typically do not sway intimacy-seeking and delusional stalkers. In fact, stalkers may view restraining orders merely as obstacles they must overcome in order to achieve union with their beloved. A restraining order might work in some instances but it is wise to know the law in your state and what steps law enforcement will actually take if the order is violated. If the violation results in just a citation, not arrest or incarceration, it probably isn’t worth the trouble. Even if the law takes further steps, it is typically for a brief time and the action may ultimately enrage the stalker and escalate him to a violent act. Violent episodes are typically not preceded by a specific threat.8
Aside from law enforcement, publicly funded and private threat-assessment teams are located throughout the country. [See “Related resources,” below.] These can help you review the stalking situation in detail and arrive at the most effective response.
Finally, it is important to document the stalking behaviors in order to establish a pattern of conduct that could later be used to prosecute the stalker. Written documentation can be detailed in a log book (Box 3). Saving all physical evidence such as letters, gifts, objects, and e-mails can help establish a pattern of stalking behaviors.
- National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) 1757 Park Rd., NW Washington, DC 20010 (800) 879-6682 or (202) 232-6682.
- National Center for Victims of Crime www.ncvc.org (703) 276-2880
- Stalking Behavior. www.stalkingbehavior.com
- The Stalking Assistance Site. www.stalkingassistance.com
- National Victim Center help guide for stalking victims http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/assist/nvaa/ch21-2st.htm