Is Stalking Considered Domestic Abuse?

The term “stalking” refers to repetitive harassment in the form of written or verbal threats, following someone, unwanted phone calls, emails, instant messages and text messages, vandalizing of personal property and sending of threatening letters to name a few.  With the advancement of technology, stalking has become part of the daily lingo, as it has become easier to go online and find out information about another person.  Unfortunately, it has grown into a huge problem in modern times. Studies reveal that around 1.5 million fall victim to stalking every year in USA in one way or the other. In addition, 75 percent of those are stalked by someone they know. Technology has also impacted the field and 25 percent of victims are stalked using a form of the same.

Stalking is considered a form of domestic abuse in such cases as a current or former partner, household member or family member harasses or threatens another member of the household in one form or the other, as mentioned above. Women are most often the victims in these situations.  An example of stalking related to domestic violence may include your former intimate partner following or watching you at the new place where you have moved, without your permission.  Or, when a husband monitors every e-mail, phone call, and text message you receive, again without your approval.

Laws against domestic stalking have two parts. The first is the anti-stalking law and is a part of the Violence Against Women Act. It is a crime to travel across states, tribes and countries with the intention to intimidate, harass or injure a household or family member when the concerned person faces the fear of injury or death to herself or himself or to a member of the family.  The cyber stalking law takes into consideration the use of the telephone and internet to put a fear into the mind of the victim.

The first and most important thing to understand here is that stalking is a form of domestic violence that can take an ugly turn if preventive measures are not taken immediately. Do not accept it under any circumstance. Filing a case against the person is the correct thing to do. In this situation, both victim and the stalker would need to appear in the court to put forward their side of the story. Evidence plays an important part in this situation and can provide you the necessary relief.

If you are involved in a case of domestic stalking, it is important to document the incidents and report the matter to the police. DVLO or Domestic Violation Liaison Officer would help you out in the situation. You need to keep details related to date, time, name of witness, place and what exactly transpired. In case of cyber stalking, keep emails, messages, faxes and letters sent to you.  You can apply for a Protection from Stalking Order, which would restrain the defendant from stalking you. In addition, it is always better to formulate a safety plan for yourself and keep a list of emergency numbers ready with you.

In case you have been accused of stalking as part of a domestic abuse case, you will most likely have to take a domestic violence class for retribution.  Taking online domestic violence classes can be a perfect way to fulfill the court's mandate. They are inexpensive, easy to understand and you only need a computer with an internet connection. You are not required to go anywhere and can take it from the comfort of your home.  You will learn why your behavior has been inappropriate and unsafe and how to stop the behavior for good.