Stalking and Harassment: The Hidden Dangers and Devastating Effects

Stalking and harassment are serious forms of victimization that can have long-lasting effects on children and their families. In recent years, technology has made it easier for offenders to stalk and harass their victims, and it is important for parents and professionals to understand the signs and effects of stalking and harassment.

Stalking is defined as repeated unwanted or intrusive behavior that causes fear or distress in the victim. This behavior can include following, watching, calling, texting, emailing, and social media messaging. Stalking can be a precursor to physical violence and can cause significant emotional harm to the victim.

Harassment is similar to stalking in that it involves repeated unwanted behavior, but it may not necessarily involve a threat of physical harm. Harassment can include verbal abuse, sending unwanted or explicit messages or images, and making repeated unwanted contact with the victim.

Victims of domestic and intimate partner violence are often subjected to stalking and harassment by their abusers, both during and after the abusive relationship. This behavior can continue even if the victim has taken steps to end the relationship or obtain a restraining order.

Stalking involves a pattern of behavior that is intended to cause fear or distress in the victim, such as following them, showing up unexpectedly at their home or workplace, making threatening phone calls or texts, and monitoring their activities. Harassment can include repeated unwanted phone calls, emails, or text messages, as well as unwanted gifts or other unwanted contact.

Stalking and harassment can have a severe impact on the victim's mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness. It can also affect their ability to function in daily life, causing them to miss work or school, avoid social situations, or change their routine in an effort to avoid their abuser.

Children who are exposed to or are victims of stalking and harassment by a parent or caregiver may experience similar effects, including anxiety, depression, and difficulty with school and social activities. They may also feel like they need to take on a protective role for the victim, which can lead to a sense of responsibility and guilt.

The "SLII" framework is a useful tool for investigators to use when investigating cases of stalking and harassment victimization. The framework stands for Surveillance, Life Invasion, Intimidation, and Impersonation.

Surveillance: This involves the stalker or harasser monitoring the victim's movements, either in person or through technology such as GPS tracking or social media stalking. This can make the victim feel like they are being constantly watched and can impact their ability to feel safe and secure.

Life Invasion: This involves the stalker or harasser inserting themselves into the victim's life in unwanted and intrusive ways. This can include showing up uninvited to events or places the victim frequents, sending unwanted gifts or messages, or spreading rumors or personal information about the victim.

Intimidation: This involves the stalker or harasser using threats, intimidation tactics, or physical violence to control the victim and make them feel unsafe. This can include making threatening phone calls or messages, following the victim, or vandalizing their property.

Impersonation: This involves the stalker or harasser posing as someone else, either to deceive the victim or to gain access to their personal information. This can include creating fake social media profiles or email addresses, or using the victim's personal information to gain access to their accounts or financial information.

When investigating cases of stalking and harassment victimization, it is important for investigators to consider the "SLII" framework in order to fully understand the tactics being used by the perpetrator and the impact they may be having on the victim. By identifying the specific tactics being used, investigators can gather more targeted and effective evidence, and better understand the psychological impact of the stalking or harassment on the victim. Additionally, using the "SLII" framework can help investigators and prosecutors build a stronger case and demonstrate the seriousness of the crime to the court.

Parents and professionals can take steps to prevent and respond to stalking and harassment victimization. Some key strategies include:

1. Educating children about the dangers of online behavior and the importance of protecting personal information.

2. Monitoring children's online activity and setting limits on their use of technology.

3. Encouraging children to speak up and seek help if they are being harassed or stalked.

4. Taking threats of violence seriously and reporting them to the police.

5. Seeking counseling or therapy for children who have been victimized by stalking or harassment.

It is important to remember that stalking and harassment are not the fault of the victim, and they should never be blamed or shamed for the actions of the offender. Instead, it is important to focus on prevention and intervention strategies that can help protect children and families from the harmful effects of stalking and harassment.

Stalking and harassment are criminal offenses in every state within the United States. These offenses are taken seriously by law enforcement and the criminal justice system due to the potential for harm to the victim.

Research has shown that individuals who engage in stalking behavior are also more likely to commit other serious crimes, including homicide. The National Institute of Justice reports that more than 75% of women who were murdered by an intimate partner were stalked by that partner in the year preceding their murder.

It is crucial for investigators to take stalking and harassment allegations seriously and to thoroughly investigate all reports of such behaviors. Early intervention can help to prevent the escalation of these behaviors and protect victims from further harm.

Victims of stalking and harassment should report these crimes to law enforcement immediately. There are also resources available to help victims, including victim advocacy programs, restraining orders, and counseling services. It is important for victims to know that they are not alone and that there is help available to them.