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What is Stalking?

24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 208.343.7025 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 208.345.7273 (RAPE)

The legal definition of stalking (according to the Merrium-Webster dictionary) is:
“the act or crime of willfully and repeatedly following or harassing another person in circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear injury or death especially because of express or implied threats.” 

While most stalking is committed by someone known to the victim, such as an ex-partner or acquaintance, some victims are stalked by strangers. Stalking can get more serious over time and can happen to anyone regardless of race, culture, gender identity, age, or sexual orientation.  Approximately 15% of women and 6% of men in the United States have experienced stalking. (CDC, 2014) Stalking is most common in the young adult age demographic (18-25 years old), but can occur anytime in one’s life.

Stalking can occur through technology (i.e. calling someone over and over, harassing someone via social media or email), through physical presence by driving by someone’s home, school or place of employment and even through the mail.  Stalking can include direct or indirect threats and contact.  If you or someone you know are experiencing any form of stalking please know that you aren’t alone and that help is out there.  At the WCA we can help with safety planning and legal education and assistance (208-343-7025).

What to do if you or someone you love is a victim of stalking:

  1. Trust your instincts. Victims of stalking often feel pressured by friends or family to downplay the stalker’s behavior, but stalking poses a real threat of harm. Your safety is paramount.
  2. Call the police if you feel you are in any immediate danger. Explain why the stalker’s actions are causing you fear.
  3. Keep a record or log of each contact with the stalker. Be sure to also document any police reports.
  4. Save evidence when possible. Stalkers often use technology to contact their victims. Save all emails, text messages, photos, and postings on social networking sites as evidence of the stalking behavior. You may also want to consider how to use your technology and your devices in a safer manner.
  5. Get connected with a local victim service provider who can assist you in exploring your options as well as discuss safety planning.

Additional resources:

EVENTS

Dec 11

2023

WCA Mission Tour

Join us for a 35 minute virtual tour to learn about our mission of safety, healing and freedom through the stories of clients and the impact of our services. The WCA Mission Tour aims to inspire and educate about the complexities and realities of domestic abuse and sexual assault, both here in the Treasure Valley […]

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Dec 14

2023

Concert for Cause

Mark you calendars for 2023 Concert for Cause – December 14th Thursday, December 14th 94.9 The River is excited to present headlining artist Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness with Michigander and Arlie for their 2023 Concert for Cause benefitting the WCA! Join us at The Knitting Factory Concert House in Bodo for an evening of […]

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Dec 28

2023

WCA Mission Tour

Join us for a 35 minute virtual tour to learn about our mission of safety, healing and freedom through the stories of clients and the impact of our services. The WCA Mission Tour aims to inspire and educate about the complexities and realities of domestic abuse and sexual assault, both here in the Treasure Valley […]

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Apr 03

2024

2024 TWIN Awards

The WCA will honor the women who have been chosen as this year’s TWIN Cohort at its 31st Annual Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) Luncheon at Noon on Wednesday, April 3rd, at the Boise Centre. “These are women who have made outstanding contributions to the Treasure Valley business community,” WCA Executive Director Bea Black said. “It […]

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