A recent email I received from a former abuser prompted me to do some research. You see, this person wouldn't leave me alone and continued to violate my personal boundaries and my home until I called the authorities and they were able to deal with the situation themselves. This resolved the issue over a prolonged period, but sadly this is not always the case. Most women who call the police instead of ignoring the stalker and finding other ways to protect themselves (a la "The Gift of Fear" author's suggestions) end up dead.
"The stalker may attempt to woo their victim into a relationship by sending flowers, candy and love letters, in an attempt to "prove their love." However, when the victim spurns their unwelcome advances, the stalker often turns to intimidation." -- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
*[Click on the title for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's website]
Descriptive Statistics:
This prompted me to look up some information on what the common thread is among these people. I wish there was a more p.c. or a more descriptive name to call these people, as "stalker" just isn't heinous enough for me. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
"Stalkers in this class [Simple Obsession} are characterized as individuals who are:
- Socially maladjusted and inept
- Emotionally immature
- Often subject to feelings of powerlessness
- Unable to succeed in relationships by socially-acceptable means
- Jealous, bordering on paranoid
- Extremely insecure about themselves and suffering from low self-esteem."
Take threats seriously. It's better to be safe than sorry.
