THE CYCLE OF STALKING

The cycle of stalking is very similar to the cycle of domestic violence. Each succeeding act is more terrifying than the previous one.

The stalker usually builds through the following steps in the Tension building Phase:

Phone calls, Unsolicited letters or Cryptic "gifts"

Threats, Surveillance of the victim, Following the victim

Minor acts of vandalism or Increased attempts to control the victim

Psychological terrorism is used if the stalker is unable to get his/her way by putting the victim completely on edge.

He/she moves on to the Explosive or Acutely Violent Phase:

Assault, Burglary, and Kidnapping

Violence against victim's family and friends, Acute acts of vandalism and Murder/suicide which the perpetrator's final act of control.

Often the stalker will alternate his/her terrorism tactics with a "hearts-and-flowers phase" (or manipulation). This is simply a new tactic, which is sometimes a temporary lapse in stalking. The victim can become complacent about his/her safety during this period.

This cycle is repeated, escalating in frequency and severity over time. It can continue for years. The perpetrator may move to murder/suicide after the cycle has been repeated several times and it is apparent to the stalker that all of his/her attempts at coercion have failed.

Sometimes the perpetrator abandons his/her current victim and redirects his/her fixation to more "challenging" and vulnerable prey - someone who is not yet alert to his/her dangerous patterns and treachery.

It is important for people who are being stalked to recognise that this victimisation is not their fault.

Stalking is a crime that can touch anyone, regardless of where they live, with whom they associate, or their economic status. Stalkers vary between those who are a nuisance to those who are violent and intend to do harm.

Even though you may think it unlikely that a particular individual will hurt you, every stalker should be seen as potentially dangerous.

With increase public attention to the crime of stalking, there are also increased services and resources available for victims of this crime.

In addition to becoming familiar with stalking laws that presently exist, victims of stalking should be informed about the resources and procedural precautions available to assist and protect them.

Note to our readers:

If you are in continual danger but no immediate threat - meaning the stalker is on the street corner or circling the block monitoring your activities but has not harmed you in any way - you can make use of restraining/protective/stay-away orders and the stalking laws.

You should document the activity of the stalker and report his/her illegal acts to the authorities. You may also seek the assistance of The Women's Resource Centre or The Physical Abuse Centre. Make contingency plans so that you are not always in the same place at the same time.

If you are a victim of stalking and are committed to end it and take back your life, call The Physical Abuse Centre at 292 4366 during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or you can call our 24-hour help line at 297 8278. Help is just a phone call away.

The Physical Abuse Centre is a part of The Family Resource Network, which consists of The Coalition for The Protection of Children, The Institute of Child & Family Health, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. and The Fathers' Resource Centre.

The agencies joined in 1998 to better serve Bermuda's families with a common goal and shared vision.

Nina Jones, MSW, BSW is a PAC Counsellor