For many, Valentine's Day is a
time to celebrate the love and romance that is yours.Whether you are looking for flowers or chocolate or a
romantic evening alone…it is a day to acknowledge love.
But for many, Valentine's Day is
a difficult reminder that what looked like love and may have felt like love
was anything but.
To the 1.6 million women and 370,000 men who are stalked on a yearly basis – Valentine’s Day can be
bittersweet.It is important to
understand that if someone in your life is violating the boundaries you set –
it is a problem. It is not love.
Many things can drive stalking
behavior but it is not driven by anything healthy.
Stalking can occur between people
who know each other and people who don’t.
Stalking can occur between people
who have had romantic relationships, casual connections, work relationships, and no relationship.
If you are being stalked, it is
important to let people around you know – do not try to manage this yourself.
If you know someone who is being
stalked, you will want to be supportive – but you must also be mindful of your
own safety as well.
TYPICAL
STALKING BEHAVIOR
Unwanted Contact of any kind –
using any format including but not limited to:
Telephone calls
Emails
Mail
Text messages
Gifts
Visits
Cyberstalking
Can last 1-2 years or longer.
EMOTIONAL
REACTIONS TO BEING STALKED
Victims have a range of responses
including, but not limited to:
Anxiety
Frustration if
the legal system is unable to offer protection
Changes in sleeping, eating, socialization, productivity, etc.
Reduced
concentration skills
Heightened startle response
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BEING STALKED
Alert the police
Tell the people around you. Ask for their support and vigilance.
Evaluate your
surroundings – make chances if necessary to reduce your vulnerability.
Keep a log of all contacts.
Ignoring the issue will not make it go away nor will it keep you safe.
RESOURCES
www.ncvc.org
- National Center For Victims Of Crime
1-800-FYI-CALL – National Center
For Victims Of Crime Hotline