After you get a divorce, your ex-spouse is expected to respect your space. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes, grief-stricken or heartbroken spouses will become irrational and will tend to stalk their significant others. This is especially true in cases where one parent gets primary custody of the children. Also, spouses with a tendency to overuse alcohol often end up drinking too much and then stalking their spouses while they are intoxicated.
Whenever you are being stalked by a former spouse, you should be concerned. Stalking is extremely uncomfortable, and spouses that are permitted to stalk may turn to more irrational and damaging behavior in the future. You may think it wise to give your stalker time, and may think that eventually the problem will disappear.
While there may be cases where this is true, in most situations a stalker will persist and may even commit other crimes. For example, if you start dating and your ex-spouse sees you out with your new boyfriend or girlfriend, he or she may hide out and attempt to harm that person. This is why you have the right to take stalking very seriously. Most of the time, stalking can even be a criminal offense.
Don't downplay an instance where you are being stalked by a former boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, or spouse. Instead, you need to contact local authorities and explain your situation. Stalking is often considered domestic violence, which means that it can be dealt with on a criminal level. This is because stalkers may have ulterior motives to harm their exes. You should talk to local law enforcement about the stalking laws in your state and how your local authorities tend to handle these cases.
Stalking may be dangerous, but it isn't rare. In fact, 14 out of every 1,000 Americans is a victim of stalking, and most of those who are stalked are divorced or separated individuals who are being followed by an ex. About half of all stalking victims experience unwanted contact from their ex about once a week, and 11% of all stalking victims say that they have been stalked for over five years.
The risk of stalking victimization is highest for those who have just ended relationships. Three out of every four stalking victims say that they know their stalker in some capacity. About 34% of all cases are of this nature. Women are at a greater risk to be stalked then men, but both experience harassment on a regular basis. Both men and women are equally as likely to report this crime to the police. There are a variety of different types of stalking, and all are serious.
About one in every four stalking victims report that they were stalked through e-mail or instant messaging. About 83% of all victims say that have released at least one e-mail from their stalker. About 46% of all stalking victims admit that they were worried because they don't know what is going to happen next. There are many different signs of stalking, but watch for someone who shows up at places without a legitimate reason, or who follows and spies on you.
As well, if you are constantly receiving unwanted phone calls or unsolicited and unwanted letters or e-mails, this can be considered stalking. If you approach places and find that your ex is waiting there for you, or if he or she leaves you unwanted presents, flowers, and other items, then you can charged that person with stalking. Also, if a person posts information online or spreads rumors about you in an attempt to get your attention, then this is also considered stalking. 34 out of every 1,000 divorced or separated individuals will be a victim of stalking. Take this crime seriously and discuss the option of restraining order with a divorce attorney near you today if you find this necessary.