Stalking The crime that won't go away. A woman meets a man through a group class project. The group members exchange phone numbers, and the man calls the woman – at first, it is for help with assignments. As the semester goes on, he asks her out again and again, refusing to take no for an answer. She tells him repeatedly that she has no romantic interest in him, but he persists in his unwanted behavior. He calls her many times every day despite her requests that he leave her alone. During class, he watches her jealously and tells her not to talk to the other group members, because he can't stand to see her paying attention to other people. "If I ever see you with someone else, I don't know what I'll do," he threatens her. Stalking is a crime defined by the California Penal Code as willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing another person and making credible threats with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of his or her safety or the safety of his or her immediate family. CA Penal Code 646.9 Stalking Statistics Victims can be male or female; however, in most cases females are the victims. Experts estimate that 1 out of 20 women will be stalked sometime during their lives. If Someone is Stalking You: Break off all contact with the person. Don't blame yourself – the stalker's irrational behavior is not your fault. Though it may be difficult, don't be afraid to be clear and assertive in refusals and demand to be left alone. Say "NO" with no conditions or trying to spare the feeling of an unwanted suitor. Do not negotiate with the stalker, that is what they want – attention. Change your phone number or get a second line. ( This lets the stalker think they are still getting through). Get an answer phone to screen calls and record threats or harassment. Document the harassment (e.g.: keep logs of phone calls) and save any evidence of the harassment (e.g.: safe answering machine messages, letters, etc.). These types of evidence can be used by the police in prosecuting a case. Tell your roommates, friends, and family about the problem – they can provide support and look out for you. File a report with the police. Obtaining a Restraining Order A restraining order* is a court order telling a person not to harass or contact the victim. It is a tool that would allow the police to arrest a person who disobeys the order. Also, when a restraining order is n place, Stalking is a felony. Victim/Witness Program can assist in obtaining the order. Call (714) 973-0134 * Plan to spend a day to get the restraining order. Other Laws for Stalking Due to the "credible threats" needed to prosecute, not all harassment or inappropriate contact is Stalking. However, these actions may violate other laws: Annoying Phone Calls Vandalism (Malicious Mischief) Trespass (or Prowling) Assault & Battery (Unlawful Touching) Violation of a Court Order* (*with a Restraining Order) If you are followed, harassed, or receive any unwanted or inappropriate contact – report it to the POLICE. Another Stalking Scenario A woman broke up with her boyfriend some months ago. Although she makes it clear that the relationship is over, and she wants no further contact with him, he continues to call her and ask her to see him. Trying to reason with him has no effect, and when she stopped answering her phone, he starts writing to her every day. His desperate pleas for contact turn into threats. If she does not agree to see him, he writes, "something bad might happen." Recently, her friends have seen him hanging around her apartment building. Important telephone numbers and resources: Anaheim Police Department Major Assault Detail (714) 765-1516 (Non-emergency) Anaheim Police Victim/ Witness (714) 520-0962 Orange County Victim/Witness (714) 957-2737 (714) 973-0134 (Restraining Order Information) Orange County Mental Health (714) 834-4722 Battered Women Programs: Women's Transitional Center 992-1931 Interval House 891-8121 Human Options 949-494-5367 Christian Temporary Housing 542-2337 Safety Net (Motel Housing) 540-9293 (800) 660-4232 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 (714) 765-5162 FAX (714) 765-5164