To varying degrees the stalking laws address an individual who: "intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person, and knows, or reasonably should know, that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable fear of…harm to the physical health, safety, or property of such person, a member of family, or a third party with whom such person is acquainted." These laws include (but are not limited to) such behaviors as:
- Telephoning or initiating communication
- Appearing at a persons place of employment
- Displays or possesses and threatens the use of a weapon while committing the crime of stalking
- Harassing, annoying, following, etc.
Over one million women are stalked annually in the US, and more than half of all victims of stalking are between the ages of 18-29.
Some advocates believe up to 80% of stalking cases occur within intimate relationships. (Domestic Violence, Stalking and Anti-Stalking Legislation, an Annual Report to Congress under the Violence Against Women Act, National Institute of Justice Research, April 1996, p. 3.)
If stalking occurs within an intimate relationship, it typically begins after the woman attempts to leave the relationship. (Domestic Violence, Stalking and Anti-Stalking Legislation, an Annual Report to Congress under the Violence Against Women Act, National Institute of Justice Research, April 1996, p. 1.)
For more information please visit http://www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org/
