Talking About Stalking

Q: What's the real definition of stalking?

A: Depending on statutes, it's possible for every state to interpret "stalking" differently. Now that each United State has an anti-stalking law, there's a chance for many discrepancies. Here's how South Carolina Law §16-3-1700(B) interprets "stalking":

Someone else's words or actions which make you fear Death Assault Injury Criminal Sexual Contact Kidnapping Property Damage Click here to visit the SC General Assembly Web Page and read the entire law.

 

Q: What are the three categories of stalking?
A:	1. Aggravated– stalking + violence 2. Pattern – 2 or more times within 90 days 3. Family– by someone who lives with you

Q: Are there penalties for stalking? A: In our state, only slight. The worst it can get for someone convicted is $10,000 and/or 15 years. The smallest penalty is $1,000 and/or 1 year. That doesn't seem like much punishment for someone who has been threatening your life and your safety, but we can feel fortunate that we now have legislation to protect us. The difference in the sentencing has to do with whether the stalking conviction was a misdemeanor or a felony. South Carolina law breaks it down like this:

Crime	Referred to as...	Penalty
Stalking	Misdemeanor	up to $1,000 and/or 1 Year
Stalking w/an injunction or restraining order in effect	Misdemeanor	up to $2,000 and/or 2 Years
Stalking within 7 years of a prior conviction of stalking or harassment	Felony	up to $5,000 and/or 5 Years
Aggravated Stalking	Felony	up to $5,000 and/or 5 Years
Aggravated Stalking w/an injunction or restraining order is in effect	Felony	up to $7,000 and/or 7 Years
Aggravated Stalking within 7 years of a prior conviction of stalking or harassment	Felony	up to $10,000 and/or 15 Years

Visit the SC General Assembly to read more about it.

Q: What kind of people are most likely to be stalked? A: Humans. Unfortunately, stalking isn't an exclusionary crime– you may become the victim of a stalker regardless of your race, gender, age, economic status or sexual orientation

Q: What can I do if I am being stalked? A: The National Victim Center in Arlington, VA, along with the Los Angeles Police Department, recommend that you treat any and all threats--whether they be in person, in writing or by telephone--as legitimate. Inform law enforcement. Here are a few safety tips, courtesy of the National Victim Center and the LAPD:

At Home Keep doors and windows locked. Install deadbolts. Change the locks and secure extra keys. Place a dowel in sliding glass doors and all windows. Keep lights and radio/TV on at all times. Keep garage doors locked. Use an automatic door opener. Do not leave the automatic opener in your car. Install an alarm system. Make sure the control box is located inside the house and has a battery backup. Alarm the inside and outside garage or basement doors. Pick numbers at random when setting electronic alarm codes. Change alarm codes if wallet, purse, keys or car is lost or stolen. A dog is an effective alarm system. Install a smoke detector. Keep fire extinguisher in house and garage. Install adequate outside lighting. Trim shrubbery around the house. Install a viewer in outside doors. Open doors only to identify people. Have roommate, spouse or partner screen visitors. Omit your name on service or delivery orders to your home. Tell a trusted neighbor about the situation. Provide them with a photo or description of the stalker and any vehicle he or she may drive. If you live in an apartment, provide the manager with a picture of the suspect. Get an unlisted telephone number. Give number only to family and close friends. Allow an answering machine to screen calls. Use a "dummy" answering machine connected to published phone number and a second unlisted phone line for personal use. Request a "block" on Caller ID so your unlisted number is not retrieved inadvertently. Tape emergency numbers on the phone. Get a private mail box, not with the US Post Office. This becomes your official address. File a change of address with the post office giving the mail box as your new address. Give all friends, businesses and creditors the new mail box address. Be alert for unusual packages, boxes or letters and do not disturb them. For long absences, have all deliveries stopped. At Work Make the security director aware of the situation. Park in secured area. Remove your name from reserved parking. Have co-workers screen all calls, visitors and packages and be alert to suspicious people who do not belong in the area. Require identification of all maintenance and sales people before they are permitted to enter. Establish key and lock control. Retrieve keys from terminated employees. Vehicle Security File a change of address with the Department of Motor Vehicles using a private mail box address. Keep car doors and windows locked. Equip car with gas cap and hood locks. Park in well-lit, secure areas. Do not leave car doors unlocked or give keys to attendant. Visually check inside and under the car before entering. Choose a reliable service for vehicle maintenance. When traveling, plan ahead and know locations of sources of help. Watch for vehicles following you. If followed, drive to a police or fire station or busy shopping center. Do not stop to help stranded motorists or pick up hitchhikers. Personal Security When out of the home or work environment, try not to travel alone. Stay in public areas. Vary your schedule and routes taken. Limit time spent walking. Accompany children to school or bus stops. Destroy discarded mail. Remove address on personal checks and business cards. Change all credit card addresses to your private post office box. Request credit reporting agencies to remove past addresses from your history. See if you are able to file for confidential voter status. Check with local Social Security office to see if it is possible to change your Social Security number.

If you'd like more information on stalking, click here.