Stalking became a crime in Virginia on April 15, 1992. Stalking is a unique crime because the stalker has only one intended victim. Stalkers are obsessed with controlling their victims' actions and feelings. They believe that they can achieve this by threatening, harassing, and in many instances harming the victim. This law makes it a criminal act to engage in conduct which places another in fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury. The act does not become criminal unless it occurs on more than one occasion.

THE GOOD NEWS: The new law will prevent some potential stalkers from

stalking. Others will stop stalking after they have been

arrested/prosecuted/convicted once or twice.

     THE BAD NEWS:   Some stalkers will never stop stalking.  These stalkers 
                     have the greatest potential for killing their victims.  
                     Their compulsion to terrorize the victim overrides any 
                     fear of punishment.  No law will stop them.

A victim can best assess the stalker's potential for violence. Likewise, a victim can best choose what action they need to take to stay safe. This may mean "hiding", pressing charges and then hiding, or staying and utilizing the law enforcement community and courts.

The sad truth is that no one can promise a victim that if they hide, the stalker won't find them. Even given the best efforts, it is impossible for law enforcement officials and the court system to guarantee the complete safety of a victim.

IF YOU ARE STALKED:

NOTIFY STALKER TO STOP: Your attorney or you can send a registered letter to the stalker stating that he must stop the behavior immediately.

NOTIFY LAW ENFORCEMENT & THE COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY: Request that law enforcement agencies log your complaint each time you call whether they respond or not. Request a copy of the report.

TELL EVERYONE: GIVE FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS, RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS A DESCRIPTION

TAKE PICTURES: When you see the stalker, try to take a photograph if it can be done safely.

SAVE ALL WRITTEN MATERIAL: Save and date all cards, letters, notes and envelopes from the stalker.

KEEP ALL LEGAL DOCUMENTS: Obtain and keep copies of warrants, protective orders, court orders, etc.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF:

JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP: If none exist, consider starting one. Local domestic violence programs and victim witness programs may refer other stalking victims to you.

DEVELOP A SUPPORT SYSTEM: Keep in touch with friends who are supportive and understanding. Tell someone about each encounter with the stalker. You can call your local domestic violence shelters and/or victim witness program for support.

YOU MAY EXPERIENCE EXTREME STRESS AND TRAUMA AND WANT TO SEEK ASSISTANCE: You may begin to experience rage, terror, suspicion, inability to trust anyone, depression, changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns, exhaustion, and/or frequent crying spells, etc...

You are not going crazy. Your body and mind are reacting to the extreme stress caused by the continuing victimization. Talking to someone who is trained to work with victims and survivors may help alleviate some of the symptoms that are interfering in other aspects of your life. Domestic violence and victim witness programs are listed in the phone book.

KNOW THAT YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING TO PROVOKE THE STALKING: Stalking is never the victim's fault. Know that what is happening to you is not okay, not your fault, and not caused by anything that you have done.

SAFETY SUGGESTIONS

In addition to those already listed, there are added things that victims can do to maximize their safety.

1. Obtain a post office box.

2. Give your address and phone number to as few people as possible.

3. Inform professional organizations that they are to provide no one with

information about you.

4. Call the Social Security Office and request that Social Security numbers

be changed if you can prove that the stalker is using them to find you.

5. Post a "NO TRESPASSING" sign on the edge of your property where it is

clearly visible.

6. Report threatening calls to the telephone company. Use *57, Call Trace

(directly after the call), if available in your area.

7. Report to the FBI all threats sent by mail.

8. If you move, don't leave a "paper trail". Don't have anything forwarded.

A. Take all medical records with you.

B. Take children's school and shot records with you.

C. Don't give the old post office a forwarding address.

D. Pick up or forfeit deposit money.

Every local organization working with victims of stalking has been provided with an additional list of safety recommendations that may provide steps that can increase your safety.