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STALKING
Stalking is a pattern of harassing and controlling behavior that causes a victim fear for their sense of safety or the safety of others. Although it’s often depicted as normal or innocuous in popular culture, stalking is very dangerous. Stalking can occur outside of intimate partner relationships, but it is a common and often deadly factor in cases of intimate partner violence.
Stalking is a violent crime
Stalking is a crime at the federal level, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, in all U.S. territories, on all tribal lands, and in the military justice system. It also violates campus codes under the Clery Act and Title IX. A first-time stalking offense is generally a misdemeanor in Montana. However, stalking can be elevated to a felony crime if it’s a repeat offense, violates an Order of Protection, involves a weapon or force, or targets a minor.
Under Montana law, a person commits a stalking offense if they “purposely or knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person” that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their own safety or another person’s safety or suffer “other substantial emotional distress.”
Most stalking cases (3 out of 4) are perpetrated by somebody known to the victim and stalking behaviors are often part of a pattern of intimate partner violence (IPV). Regardless of a victim’s relationship with the perpetrator, stalking is a dangerous behavior with real safety risks for victims.
What to know about stalking and your safety
Stalking can occur outside of intimate partner relationships, but it carries significant risks of homicide in the context of a current/former relationship. Research shows that 76% of women murdered by a current/former intimate partner (and 85% of attempted homicide victims) were stalked by their killer in the 12 months before the attack. Danger is particularly elevated if a victim being stalked by a current/former partner has recently ended the relationship.
Whether or not stalking occurs in the context of a current/former intimate partner relationship, if a victim experiences fear over the pattern of controlling or harassing behavior, it is imperative to take the situation seriously. Individuals willing to engage in stalking behaviors often have little fear of consequences and may go to dangerous lengths to assert control over a victim, sometimes extending the safety risks well beyond the individual victim.
RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS/SURVIVORS
If you’re experiencing stalking, an advocate from The Friendship Center can help with information, resources, and safety planning. Whether or not you reach out for assistance, there is a wealth of free online resources you can access and steps you can take to help with safety planning. Below are three tools and actions we often use with our clients that can help survivors understand their risks, make decisions, and plan their next steps.
Five General Tips for Victims
Below is a list of tips for victims recommended by SPARC, the leading national resource for education about the crime of stalking. SPARC also created the SHARP tool and documentation log linked above.
MAJOR STALKING CATEGORIES
Victims often experience tactics that fall into four main categories—surveillance, life invasion, intimidation, and interference. The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC) uses the acronym SLII as a framework to help categorize stalking behaviors.
Adapted from research conducted by Dr. TK Logan, SPARC's SLII Strategies framework can help responders and victims themselves determine if they’re experiencing fear as a result of stalking to effectively assess risk, consider legal options, and/or safety plan.
Surveillance
Surveillance is the most commonly identified stalking tactic and includes watching and gathering information about the victim.
Life Invasion
Life invasion describes ways that the offender is showing up in the victim’s life without the victim’s consent. This may include excessive contact, showing up, spreading rumors, and/or sending gifts.
Intimidation
Context is critical in stalking cases. Many behaviors are intimidating when considered within the totality of stalking behaviors and with the victim and offender’s relationship and history in mind.
Interference
Stalkers may interfere in a victim’s life in many ways, affecting everything from the victim’s reputation to their employment and/or physical safety. A common and significant consequence is victims losing financial and other resources.
Research and practice show that victims are unlikely to use the words “stalking” or “harassment” when talking about their situation. The questions below give examples of specific stalking behaviors to help victims and support people recognize the stalking tactics they may be experiencing. These behaviors can overlap and stalkers may change the tactics they use over time.
SLII Framework Questions
The following resources are produced by Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC), a comprehensive national resource for education about the crime of stalking.
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Infographics and fact sheets (including Spanish language fact sheets) about the intersection of stalking and the following areas:
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Intimate partner violence (IPV)
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Sexual violence
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Technology
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College campuses
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LGBTQ+ victims
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Adolescent victims
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Workplaces
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Firearms
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U.S. Stalking Laws & Statutes, an interactive map with the statutory definition of stalking in every jurisdiction
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Stalking and Harassment Assessment and Risk Profile, a tool advocates and victims can use to generate a succinct narrative profile of a stalking case and safety planning suggestions
FACTS & STATISTICS ABOUT STALKING
RESOURCES FROM TFC'S BLOG
To learn more about some of the key issues intersecting with domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, visit our Resources page.
If you or a loved one has experienced stalking, and you want to request services or talk about the situation, visit our Services page to learn more about our free and confidential support.