Stalking is a crime of terror with a beginning, but seemingly no end. It's a crime that leaves no physical cuts or bruises unless the stalker becomes desperate and acts out in violence, which is often the case.

The difference between harrassment and stalking is a distinction of the law. Stalking occurs when harrassing behavior is repeated, is threatening, is purposefully directed at a specific person, and would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury or death for themselves or a family member.

Stalkers fall into two categories of motivation according to psychologists: love obsession and simple obsession. Most stalking targets, have some previous personal relationship with the stalker. This is the simple obsession which is the most common and can be the most dangerous.

What To Do If...

Suggestions of what to do if stalked are listed below. Every stituation is different, so there are no set guidelines. Use your own judgement as to what actions to take.

• Communicate to the stalker that you do not want any contact with him/her.

• Report to your local police department that you are a victim of stalking.

• Build your case against the stalker by providing the police with any or all of the following:

• Documentation of the stalker's activities, such as a personal journal.

• Taped recording(s) of threatenting telephone calls.

• Video tape of stalker's actions.

• Basic identifying information (i.e. license plate number, personal appearance.)

• List of contacts with stalker (i.e. date, time, place, what was said, letters or calls received.

Related Articles:

• Documenting Evidence with Video
• Driving and Motor Vehicle Records
• Identity Theft - How It Happens
• More Signs of a Cheating Spouse
• Signs of a Cheating Spouse
• Surveillance

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