Stalking can destroy a victim's life.
Or end it altogether.

Stalking is so menacing to its victims, that it makes an individual fear for his/her own safety. It is against the law in every state. And stalking across state lines or in federal territories is illegal under federal law.

Stalkers often have the mindset that their victims belong to them, and they often rationalize their behavior by blaming the actions of the person they're following. Stalking is a crime of violence, control, intimidation and fear. And it's not about love, romance or marriage vows, although many stalkers hide behind these tenets as if their "love" gives them the right to stalk.

Domestic violence stalkers pose the greatest threat. Not only do these individuals have a proven history of violence, they also know their victims intimately. And as a result, the threats they make are more pointed and potentially deadly.

Stalking behaviors

Stalkers behave in ways that unnerve, harass and frighten their victims. Following is a list of some stalking tactics:

Stalking is a crime in Ohio and all states in the United States. The Ohio Revised Code, ORC 2903.211, states that:

    1. No person by engaging in a pattern of conduct shall knowingly cause another person to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or cause mental distress to the other person.
    2. No person, through the use of any electronic method of remotely transferring information, including, but not limited to, any computer, computer network, computer program, or computer system, shall post a message with purpose to urge or incite another to commit a violation of division (A)(1) of this section.

 

  • Whoever violates this section is guilty of menacing by stalking

    • Getting Help for Victims

    The most important step in fighting the silence and secrecy in which stalking thrives is for victims to keep records of all stalking behavior. Documenting all contacts made or attempted by the stalker-- including copies of letters, gifts and messages left on answering machines--helps create a paper trail. Reporting incidents of stalking to the police is also very important as it establishes the stalking pattern of conduct. For more information and help for victims, click here.

    10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STALKING

    1. STALKING IS A CRIME.
      In all 50 states, stalking is against the law.
    2. MANY PEOPLE ARE STALKED.
      Approximately 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men are stalked in their lifetime. 1.4 million people are stalked every year in the United States.
    3. STALKING CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS.
      76 percent of women killed by their intimate partners were stalked by these partners before they were killed. All stalkers should be considered unpredictable and very dangerous.
    4. STALKING IS HARMFUL AND INTRUSIVE.
      Stalking victims often lose time from work or never return to work. Some even relocate to regain a sense of safety. Many suffer from anxiety, insomnia and severe depression as a result of being stalked.
    5. ANYONE CAN BE STALKED--NOT JUST CELEBRITIES.
      The vast majority of stalking victims are ordinary people. And most stalkers are not strangers, but are known by their victims.
    6. STALKING CAN OCCUR DURING A RELATIONSHIP, AFTER A RELATIONSHIP OR IN THE ABSENCE OF A RELATIONSHIP.
      Stalking often begins during a relationship. Stalkers may keep the victim under surveillance or threaten him/her. Others begin stalking after the victim has ended the relationship, and the stalker feels desperate to maintain or regain control. Still others become fixated on a victim without ever having had any relationship with the person.
    7. TECHNOLOGY CAN BE USED TO STALK.
      Although technology enhances our lives, it can also empower criminals. Cell phones, computers and surveillance equipment are just some of the technologies stalkers now use.
    8. AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO STALKING INCLUDES THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
      Police, prosecutors, advocates, educators, reporters, neighbors and others throughout the community can and should play a part in stopping stalking. Working together, we can make victims safer.
    9. HELP IS AVAILABLE.
      If you or someone you know is being stalked, call the 24-hour hotline at 216-391-HELP. Or call 1-800-FYI-CALL for assistance.
    10. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
      You can help the DVC work with victims of stalking by making a donation.

    You can also visit the National Center for Victims of Crime's Stalking Resource Center  to learn more about stalking and how to fight it.