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Stalking (RSA 633:3-a) --following someone repeatedly with the intent to make that person fear for his or her safety. This includes following someone from place to place and appearing repeatedly at someone's home, place of employment, or other frequently visited locations. Quoted from "A Legal Handbook for Women in New Hampshire, New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women", page 83. Stalking is a Crime in New Hampshire: It is against the law (RSA 633:3-a) for someone to:
Often, the victim can best assess the stalker's potential for violence. Because no one can guarantee complete safety, the victim can best choose what actions need to be taken. Whatever steps are taken, the primary concern for everyone involved is the victim's safety.
  If You Are Being Stalked: Notify Law Enforcement: If you believe you are being stalked, call the police right away. Be sure to tell them about any previous action taken and the results (i.e. the stalker was warned to stay away from you). Consider obtaining a cellular phone. In the event that you are being followed while driving, you can call 9-1-1 immediately and document the incident as it is happening. It is important to get the docket or file number of your complaint, as well as the name of the reporting officer so that you can follow up on the complaint. Arrests can only be made if the stalker has already been warned by the police to stay away from you. If there is already a restraining order in place, the police must arrest the stalker. In the event of an arrest, the stalker will likely be bonded and released. Ask that a condition of the bond be no contact with you. Obtain copies of all documents and the name of the judge. You should also contact your local crisis center. There is a law in the state of New Hampshire to make getting help safer for you. RSA 173-C states that information transmitted between a victim of sexual assault, domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual harassment and a crisis center advocate shall remain confidential. This information is never given out, unless the crisis center has received written permission from you. This means you can disclose any information about your situation and receive help and support without any of the conversation being revealed to a third party. Crisis center advocates are still required to report any knowledge of child abuse that you might disclose to them. Document Everything Yourself: Record witnesses' names, dates, times, locations, and what the stalker was doing, saying, wearing, driving (license plate no.), etc. If it can be done safely, take pictures of the stalker. Law enforcement agencies log your complaint each time you call. Request a copy of each report. Tell Family, Friends, Neighbors, and Co-workers: Provide them with a description or photograph of the stalker. Ask them to watch for the stalker, to document everything listed above, and to give the written account to you. Save All Written Material, Legal Documents, and Telephone Messages Recorded on Answering Machines: Save and date all cards, letters, notes, and envelopes from the stalker. Obtain and keep copies of warrants, protective orders, court orders, etc. Report threatening calls to the telephone company. Make use of your telephone provider's tracing system and Caller ID. Dial *57 immediately after receiving a harassing phone call, and the call will be traced for a small fee. Be sure to log the date and time of each successfully traced call. Save and date all telephone messages, because they too, can be utilized as evidence. Do NOT tape telephone conversations without telling the stalker he or she is being taped beforehand. It is illegal to tape someone without his/her knowledge, and renders such evidence useless. Safety Suggestions: If you think you are being followed from place to place, or if you are being threatened or intimidated by someone, it is important that you begin to take the necessary steps to maximize your safety.
Taking Care of Yourself. Contact your local Crisis Center: Your local domestic violence and rape crisis center is a great resource, and can provide you with a number of confidential services, including 24-hour support and assistance. Call the Helpline at 1-800-852-3388 and you will be directed to the crisis center nearest you. Develop a Support System: Keep in touch with friends who are supportive and understanding. Tell someone about each encounter with the stalker. You May Experience Extreme Stress and Trauma and Want to Seek Assistance: You may begin to experience rage, terror, suspicions, an inability to trust anyone, depression, changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns, exhaustion, and/or frequent crying spells. Your body and mind are simply reacting to the extreme stress. Talking to someone who is trained to work with victims may help alleviate some of the symptoms that are interfering with other aspects of your life. Remember, your local domestic violence or rape crisis center is an important resource and can provide you with additional safety recommendations, support, and assistance in understanding the legal system. What Kind of Help Can You Expect From a Crisis Center? Domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy services are available on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week. An advocate is someone who understands the dynamics of stalking, and can help you find the assistance and support you need. Types of advocacy services include:
Services are available to you regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious, or political beliefs, or physical ability. To contact the crisis center in your area, call the Helpline at 1-800-852-3388. |
| Women's Crisis Services is a Monadnock United Way Agency. Women's Crisis Services of the Monadnock Region, 12 Court St. Keene, NH. 03431 Women's Crisis Services of the Monadnock Region, 47 Peterborough St. Suite B, Jaffrey, NH. 03452 All graphics are the property of Women's Crisis Service's of the Monadnock Region, and New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, © Copyright 2002 |
| Web site designed by Trudy Emmerick |
