Monday night English Support Group discussed Stalking as part of National Stalking Awareness Month.
Stalking is a pattern of behavior that can make you feel nervous, afraid, harassed and in danger. Behaviors from another individual who repeatedly contacts you, follows you, sends you things, talks to you when you do not want them to, or threatens you is a form of stalking.
Patterns that are looked at from someone who is stalking an individual: Knowing your schedule, showing up where they are not wanted, sending email, mail, pictures when not asked for, calling/texting repeatedly, damaging property, sending gifts, stealing items, any actions to contact , harass, track or frighten a person.
If you are being stalked, you may feel: helpless, anxious, fearful, angry, depressed, fear of being watched all the time, frustrated that you are not being left alone, have difficulty breathing, sleeping, or concentrating, have nightmares, lose or gain weight and not know what will happen next.
If you are being stalked contact your local law enforcement, you can seek help/information from your local domestic violence program. It is also important to let your friends and family know what is going so when you let them know you are afraid and need help.
It is important if you are being stalked to save all items that you may receive from your stalker for evidence, keep a clear record of all incidents of the stalking, this includes emails, text messages, letters, voicemails, etc.
If you know someone who is being stalked : encourage your friend to seek help, be there to listen to them, offer support, educate yourself on stalking but avoid confrontations with the stalker, but most of all, ask your friend how you can help.