Safety for Stalking Victims: How to save your privacy, your sanity, and your life

Stalking is a serious crime that disproportionately affects and endangers women. The National Institute of Justice says one in every 12 women and one in every 20 men will be stalked in their lifetimes.Some stalkers make phone calls, send messages, or deliver "gifts." Some follow their victims home, vandalize property, make threats, or kill pets. Some stalkers even attempt rape, kidnapping, or murder. And some succeed. Being the target of an obsessed person is a frightening experience. But it isn't necessary to live in fear. Learning how to live safely is the key.Topics include:Who stalks, who is stalked, and whyEvaluating the seriousness of the situationReplacing terror with sensible precautionsRestraining ordersgood or bad?Disappearingwhy, when and howProtecting your childrenSelf-defensewhat works, what doesntSafety on a budgetMaintaining your privacyStrategies that don't workHelpful web sites and organizationsUsing scenarios based on real stalking cases, this book overflows with detailed, practical strategies to put you in control of your situation, and let you break the cycle of terror.Mistakes by the legal system, employers, or even family members can make the situation worse. If you work with stalking victims, or are concerned about one, you need this information, too.