Stalking is the purposeful following, watching or harassment of another individual. It typically occurs repeatedly and over an extended period of time. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.5 million people are stalked in the United States each year. Stalking is something many victims and survivors of domestic violence must contend with as part of their abuser’s pattern of control and power, as former and current intimate partners often use stalking to terrorize their victims. Stalking is often an indicator of other forms of violence. 81% of women who were stalked by a current or former husband or cohabitating partner were also physically assaulted by that partner, while 31% were sexually assaulted.
Not only is stalking often an indicator of other forms of violence, it has been linked to femicide, the murder of women and girls. Studies have shown that 76% of women murdered by an intimate partner were stalked first, while 85% of women who survived murder attempts were stalked.
Stalking also takes its toll emotionally, psychologically and even financially. Many stalking victims are forced to move because of their victimization. Some victims have reported losing work because of the stalking. Stalking victims suffer much higher rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and social dysfunction than the general population. Many of them fulfill the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Stalking can be unpredictable and dangerous. However, there are steps that can be taken to increase your safety:
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- Trust your instincts. Don’t downplay the danger.
- Develop a safety plan, including things like changing your routine, arranging a place to stay, and having a friend or relative go places with you.
- Keep evidence of the stalking. When the stalker follows you or contacts you, write down the time, date, and place. Keep emails, text messages, phone messages, letters, or notes
- Tell family, friends, roommates, and co-workers about the stalking and seek their support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, there are various resources available for assistance. The Victim Connect Resource Center is a helpline where crime victims and survivors can learn about their rights and options, confidentially and compassionately. The WomensLaw online helpline provides basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support for victims of abuse. Victimsofcrime.org has created the Stalking Research Center which provides resources and help for victims.
A New Decade Brings in New State Leadership
As the decade turned, Mississippi entered into a new era of State Leadership. This past November, Mississippians elected new State Officials and Legislators who will serve office for the next four years. The Mississippi Legislature experienced upsets and wins during the election cycle last year. A significant turnover in both the House and Senate will bring about new faces in the Capitol and new committee leadership. As former Lt. Governor Tate Reeves takes office as the new Governor of Mississippi, the state senate prepares for a new Senate President and President Pro Tempore. Former Secretary of State, Delbert Hosman, was elected as Lt. Governor and will take the seat as the President of the Senate. The new Pro Tempore will be elected by a majority vote of the Senate. After the defeat of the former Speaker pro Tempore, Greg Snowden, and the return of Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, the State House of Representatives will also see changes in leadership.
Although the Mississippi Legislature is experiencing dynamic changes, MCADV has strategic plans and advocacy to continue our fight for Victim – Advocate Confidentiality and the support of our shelter programs. Our Legislative Agenda is missioned to provide privacy protections for advocates and to provide better legislation for state funding, which could benefit our shelter programs. Our Policy and Systems Advocacy Coordinator will conduct weekly Capitol visits on Thursdays through our Policy Education Campaign “aDVocacy Thursdays”. This Policy Education Campaign will help MCADV members and friends become familiar with state legislators and keep our issues relevant and on the docket. Join us on our journey by clicking here to review our Legislative Advocacy Calendar.
Stalking from the Legal Perspective
Stalking is a credible threat directed at a specific person. It is also a reasonable fear of one’s safety, the safety of another person, or destruction of another’s property.
Law:
- Stalking can be punished by imprisonment of up to 1 year, not more than a $1,000 fine, or both.
Aggravated stalking happens in a few situations: (1) use or display of a deadly weapon with the intent to cause reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm; (2) the person has been convicted of stalking or aggravated stalking within the past 7 years; or (3) when the offense occurred, the perpetrator was required to be a registered sex offender and the victim was under 18.
Law:
- Aggravated stalking can be punished by imprisonment of up to 5 years and not more than a $3,000 fine.
- Aggravated stalking when the perpetrator was required to be a registered sex offender and the victim is under 18 can be punished by imprisonment of up to 6 years and not more than a $4,000 fine.
Once convicted, the sentencing court considers an order prohibiting contact with the victim. There are a few factors to determine the duration of the order: seriousness of the facts, the probability of future violations, and the safety of the victim or another person.
To contact our Legal Services Coordinator, Kalleigh McCoy, regarding stalking laws or domestic violence legal issues, you can call 601-882-5550 or send an email to legalservices@mcadv.org.
For more information, contact Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Robin Jackson by calling 601-981-9196 or sending an email to robin.jackson@mcadv.org.
