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| Stalking |
In plain English, stalking is unwanted pursuit, following, or harassment.
According to Virginia Code, 18.2-60.3, Stalking is defined as:
ANY PERSON WHO ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION ENGAGES IN CONDUCT DIRECTED AT ANOTHER PERSON WITH THE INTENT TO PLACE,.OR WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THE CONDUCT PLACES, THAT OTHER PERSON IN REASONABLE FEAR OF DEATH, CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR BODILY INJURY TO THAT OTHER PERSON OR TO THAT OTHER PERSON'S FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBER.
If convicted of this behavior, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor.( A third or subsequent conviction occurring within 5 years of a conviction for an offense under this section or for a similar offense under the law of any other jurisdiction shall be a Class 6 Felony).
A PROTECTIVE ORDER prohibiting contact between the defendant and the victim or the victim's family is automatically issued upon a conviction for stalking (Code: 18.2-60.3(D)).
Tips for stalking victims to increase their safety and the likelihood of a successful stalking prosecution:
- Contact your local Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault agency for support
- Warn the offender to STOP. (Best to do this in writing and only once for legal purposes.)
- Keep records of contact.
- Keep evidence (letters,gifts, etc.) and handle it as little as possible.
- Notify the police and the Commonwealth's Attorney.
- Get the names of witnesses - e.g., if the offender contacts you at work, at the grocery store, etc., after being ordered by the court to stay away from you.
- Ask friends or neighbors to keep an eye out at your home for suspicious persons.
- If possible, have a security check done on your home.
- As a last resort, it may be necessary to change your phone number, or even to move.
Common Stalker Characteristics
- Jealous
- Narcissistic
- Obsessive and Compulsive
- Falls "instantly" in love
- Manipulative
- Does not take responsibility for own feelings or actions
- Needs to have control over others
- Socially awkward or uncomfortable
- Views self as a victim of society, family, and others
- Unable to take "no" for an answer
- Deceptive
- Often switches between rage and "love"
- Difficulty distinguishing between fantasy and reality
- Sense of entitlement ("You owe me.")
- Unable to cope with rejection
- Dependent on others for sense of "self"
- Views his or her problems as someone else's fault
- May be above average intelligence.
Options for Victims of a Stalker
If you are being stalked, you can request an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) from a Magistrate or Law Enforcement Officer. An EPO can order a stalker to have NO CONTACT with you for 72 hours or until 5:00 p.m. the next day Juvenile and Domestic Relations (J&DR) court meets in your county. The EPO automatically expires after the 72 hours or 5:00 p.m. time limit. Whether you request an EPO or not, you can also go to the Intake Office (usually in the courts building) and petition for a Preliminary Protective Order for Stalking (PPO). If the judge grants a PPO-Stalking, the stalker can be ordered to have NO CONTACT with you for up to 15 days until a full hearing is scheduled. As a full hearing, the Judge will listen to the victim, and then to the alleged stalker, and make a decision whether or not to grant a Permanent Protective Order (PO). If a PO is granted, it can be in effect for up to 2 years of NO CONTACT and other steps the Judge may decide to implement for the safety of the victim, family and household members.
Services Available from The Haven Shelter and Services, Inc.
The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc. offers the following services in the counties of Essex, Lancaster, Westmoreland, Richmond, and Northumberland:
- Emergency food and shelter services for abused women and their children.
- 24-hour hotline, site supervision, and crisis intervention services.
- Peer counseling and support.
- Individualized referral services.
- Personal and community advocacy.
- Court advocacy and accompaniment.
- Community-based support groups for women (Child care is provided on-site).
- Community education on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking issues.
- Training for services professionals on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault,and Stalking issues.
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