STALKING

Anyone can be a victim of stalking -- children, teenagers, people who are mentally and physically disabled, the elderly, and women and men, regardless of race, sexual orientation or economic status.

STALKING IS A CRIME IN NEW HAMPSHIRE (RSA 633:3-a)

As of July 26, 1993, it is against the law for someone to:

• follow another person from place to place on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose with the intent to place such person in fear for his or her personal safety;
• appear on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose in proximity to the residence, place of employment or other place where another person is found with the intent to place such person in fear for his or her personal safety;
• follow another person from place to place on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her person;
• appear on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose in proximity to the residence, place of employment, or other place where another person is found under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her personal safety; or
• after being served with, or otherwise provided notice of, a protective order pursuant to RSA 173-B or RSA 458:16 or an order that prohibits the person from having contact with specific individuals pursuant to RSA 597:1-a, III, on a single occasion and in violation of the provisions of such order to:
  • a) follow another person from place to place; or
  • b) appear in proximity to any other place described in the protective order or bail order (see Domestic Violence -- Protective Orders).
    

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE BEING STALKED?

If you are being followed from place to place, or if you are being threatened or intimidated by someone, it is important that you take the necessary steps to maximize your safety. This may mean temporarily moving, seeking safe shelter and then pressing charges. You may also choose to stay in your home, and seek help from the police and the courts. Depending on your relationship with the stalker, you may be able to help the police or courts know if the stalker will be violent. This will help to decide what actions need to be taken. The first concern is for your safety.

If you are being stalked, you should also contact your local crisis center. There is a law in the state of New Hampshire to make getting help safer for you. RSA 173-C states that information transmitted between a victim of a sexual assault or domestic abuse, and a crisis center advocate shall remain confidential. This information is never given out, unless the crisis center has received written permission from you. This means you can disclose any information about your situation and receive help and support without any of the conversation being revealed to a third party.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE IF YOU ARE BEING STALKED?

• Secure personal safety: (see "Safety Suggestions" below).
• Notify law enforcement: If you are being followed from place to place, or threatened or intimidated by someone, call the police right away. Be sure to tell them of previous calls you have made and their results (e.g., a protective order was served or the stalker was warned to stay away from you). The police are required by law to arrest the person who is following, threatening or intimidating you if the officer has reason to believe an episode occurred within six hours of you filing a report, and may do so without a warrant. If there is already a protective order in place, the police must arrest the person no matter how much time has passed. The police can make an arrest even if they did not see the events you described. In the event of an arrest, the stalker will likely be released on bail or a written promise to appear in court. They may be told that there will be no contact with you. Make sure to get copies of any papers from the police, such as arrest records, what charges have been filed against the defendant, and what the bail conditions are. Get the names of any judges who are involved in your case.
• Document everything yourself: Write down dates, times, places, and witnesses' names. Write what the stalker was doing, saying, and wearing. Noting what car the stalker was driving and the license plate number is also important. If it can be done safely, take pictures of your stalker. The police will keep your complaint. Ask for a copy of the report. There may be a cost depending on the police department. Be sure to write down the name of the officer taking the complaint.
• Tell family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about the stalking: Provide a description of the stalker for them. Ask them to watch for the stalker, to write down everything listed above, and to give this account to you. Ask your Human Resources Director, Employee Assistance Program professional, or supervisor about your company's policies and resources to help keep you safe.
• Save all written material, legal papers and telephone messages recorded on answering machines: Save and date all cards, letters, notes, and envelopes from the stalker. Obtain and keep copies of things like warrants, protective orders, and court orders. Save and date all messages left on answering machines, because they can be used as evidence. It is a crime to tape record any conversation between you and your stalker unless the stalker knows the conversation is being recorded.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

• Know that you have done nothing to provoke or cause the stalking: Know that what is happening to you is not your fault, and is not becuase of anything that you have done or not done.
• Join a support group: Local domestic violence and rape crisis centers are great resources, and can assist you in locating a group in your area.
• 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 and rape crisis centers for support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (see resource section).
• You may experience stress and trauma, and might want to seek assistance: You may begin to experience things like rage, terror, suspicions, an inability to trust anyone, depression, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, exhaustion, or frequent crying spells. You are not going crazy. Your body and mind are simply reacting to the stress caused by the stalking. Talking to someone who is trained to work with victims and survivors may help stop some of the symptoms that are interfering in other aspects of your life.

SAFETY SUGGESTIONS

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAFETY?

1. Change your locks, both at home and on the car.
2. Avoid walking alone. Be aware of what is around you.
3. Obtain a post office box and give your address and phone number to as few people as possible. If you have a rural mail delivery box, do not put your first name on the box.
4. Change your daily driving routes and keep your car doors locked at all times, whether or not the car is in use.
5. Park your vehicle in well-lit areas. Get a locking gas cap, and always look in the front and rear areas before entering your vehicle.
6. Know the locations of both the police and fire stations.
7. Keep an emergency bag packed with clothing, money, telephone numbers, toys for children, and important papers, such as social security numbers and birth certificates.
8. If possible, alert neighbors and have a pre-arranged code or signal if the stalker is near or at your home.
9. Post a "NO TRESPASSING" sign on the edge of your property where it is clearly seen.
10. Call the Social Security Office and discuss the possibility of changing your social security number if you feel that the stalker is using it to find you.
11. Report any threatening calls that you, or anyone you know, receive to the telephone company. Ask for their help on ways to protect your phone lines or trace the stalker's calls. If possible, change your current telephone number to an unlisted telephone number. Ask the phone company to remove your name and phone number from both the phone book and directory assistance.
12. Report all threats sent by mail to your local police.
13. If you move, do not leave a "paper trail." Do not have anything forwarded to your new home. a) Take all medical records with you; b) Do not give the old post office a forwarding address; c) Pick up or forget any security deposit or rent money; d) Do not have the telephone company refer calls to your new number; and
14. Make necessary steps to be safe at work. a) Let security know that you are being stalked; b) If possible, ask for a change in your work schedule or site; c) Have the receptionist screen your calls; d) Distribute a photograph of your stalker to your co-workers; e) Obtain a copy of your company's safety policies. If they don't have any, request that they contact the local crisis center for assistance.

Domestic violence or rape crisis centers are an important resource and can provide you with additional safety options, support and assistance in understanding the legal system (see resource section).