Stalking

In Australia it has been estimated that about one in six women will be stalked at some time during their lives. Any woman or man can be stalked, either by former spouses, lovers, co-workers, friends or neighbours, Internet contacts, or by complete strangers.

In Western Australia the crime of Stalking carries a maximum penalty of 8 years imprisonment or a fine of $8000.00 (Section 338E of The Criminal Code)

Recognizing someone as a stalker is quite impossible. A stalker looks no different to any other person. Many are highly intelligent and cunning and can initially appear quite personable. Others seem awkward and socially inept.

They loiter, trespass, leave obscene notes, join the victim’s gym, turn up at private parties un-invited, gatecrash weddings, and display all kinds of other inappropriate behaviour. They send unwanted valentine and birthday cards, bouquets of flowers and gifts, which are sometimes ‘loaded’ with sexual innuendo. For them such behaviour is not seen as inappropriate, but only a means to gain the person's love.

Stalking Defined

• Stalking may be defined as un-welcomed or inappropriate attention, the following, watching or approaching of another person
• Contacting a person by means of telephone, mail, fax, email or through the use of any form of communications technology
• loitering near, watching, approaching or entering a place where the victim lives, works or visits
• interfering with or damaging the property in the possession of the victim
• leaving offensive material where it will be found by, given to or brought to the attention of the victim
• giving offensive material to the victim, directly or indirectly
• an act of harassment, intimidation or threat against the victim
• an act of violence, or a threat of violence against the victim or his/her property

What To Do

Victims of stalking and their loved ones should never take an episode of stalking lightly, no matter who the stalker is or how closely they have previously been involved emotionally.

A person who feels she or he is being stalked should inform the police immediately. If the identity of the stalker is known a restraining order can be obtained which may keep the offender away. If evidence exists that the person has committed an offence then the police may be in a position to apprehend and charge the person concerned. The police service cannot always guarantee the victims safety until it can be proven that an offence has occurred and the perpetrator has been identified.

John Horton and Associates can:

• provide personal safety and immediate security assistance to protect the victim.
• assist in resolving the stalking and harassment issues.
• assist in putting an end to unwanted telephone calls to maintain privacy.
• provide security solutions, information on legal remedies and stalking countermeasures for those who are affected by such unwanted attentions.

Since we will know where the victim will be at all times, our operative/s will identify the ‘stalker’ and photograph, videotape or document the offending persons activities. Where appropriate, a brief of evidence will be prepared and presented to the police, in order to bring criminal charges against the offender.