Stalking Awareness Series: resources and getting help

For our final installment, we’re looking at support resources and tips and tools to help in the pursuit of justice against stalking perpetrators - be it individual, proxy-stalkers, or multi-perpetrator community-based stalking and harassment - all of which happen in Columbia County on a regular basis. Being informed and aware is a critical line of defense.

Capturing and tracking evidence as it happens is one of the most important things you can do. Even if the detail seems “insignificant,” it’s crucial to document everything.

Keep a Stalking Log which you can download f rom Stalking prevention awareness and resourcd center, SPARC. When documenting stick to the facts of what’s occurred, such as d,ate and time, description of the incident and location, names and phone numbers of witnesses (if present), if possible, take pictures and video if you feel threatened or unsafe, and document the emotional impact and distress the incident caused and the context of the incident, including related past threats or behaviors. As one source wrote, “It’s unlikely all of the things that are happening to you during the course of stalking are coincidental.”

Saving Emails, Text Messages, Social Media and Other Materials: Emails contain identifying information such as IP addresses. Save all emails and print copies showing the header information from the sender by looking at the “more information” option. Fake accounts and spoofing are common tactics so make sure to screenshot and print messages and profiles engaging in harassment, libel, slander or defamation of character. Store the documents somewhere safe and leave copies with a trusted source outside your home.

Electronic Safety: Cyberstalking and hacking are key components of stalking campaigns. Devices can be hacked to monitor text messages, emails, phone calls, online activity, and especially WiFi-enabled cameras or smart home devices. Change passwords regularly and check connected devices; internet router or wireless security cameras. Save various activity logs from your computer, log out of old devices and check your email security and login history.

Seeking support from outside agencies or resources can help determine options and avenues to pursue. As much as victims would like law enforcement help, sometimes that isn’t an option and they have to turn elsewhere. These may be organizations related to domestic violence recovery, stalking and harassment support services, legal options, or private services.

Legal Representation: Look for an attorney with prior stalking and harassment experience and an understanding of slander and defamation. If your area does not have adequate legal resources - or ones you feel comfortable working with - seek help outside your area as lawyers can practice statewide and can often cross state lines. This is important if dealing with interstate stalking such as Longview and Rainier, for example.

Security Support Services: Outside services have resources and can investigate in ways a stalking victim cannot. This could be hiring a private investigator, digital forensic and data experts, cybersecurity specialists, and security analysts to secure your home, or look for other surveillance devices.

Stalking Support Services: Like many rural areas, Columbia County is limited in services that have specialized training in supporting stalking victims seeking safety and justice. A few resources in and outside of Columbia County are National Network to End Domestic Violence (nnedv.org, womenslaw.org); Oregon Law Center (oregonlawcenter.org) 503-397-1628 (St. Helens office), 503-640-4115 (Hillsboro office); SAFE Columbia County (safeofcolumbiacounty.org), 503-397-6161 (24/7 crisis line), 503-397-7110 (main); SPARC (stalkingawareness.org); and VictimConnect (victimconnect.org), 855-484-2846.

Reporting Cybercrime: Lastly, if you believe you have been the victim of cyber-enabled crimes, which includes any illegal activity that is assisted using cyber-related means, you can file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). According to the IC3, “these crimes may include, but are not limited to, advance-fee schemes, non-delivery of goods or services, computer hacking, or employment/business opportunity schemes, and intrusion-based crimes such as ransomware and data breaches”. For more information visit ic3.gov.

Stalking happens in every city and town in the country and it’s on the rise. This series was inspired by my own experience the past 17 months with local multi-perpetrator stalking and harassment. I’ve extensively researched the topic, consulted professional organizations and law enforcement, and talked with other victims across the U.S. The need for specialized stalking support, training, and convictions far outweighs current offerings in victim services, law enforcement, and the courts. The most important step to reform and progress is awareness and education and to create real change and to bring justice for the victims of these illegal activities.