Post by Cassie on Mar 10, 2008 16:05:09 GMT -5
The following list of the most common mistakes that stalking victims make has been taken from Understanding and Surviving America's Stalking Epidemic, a ground breaking special report by Linden Gross that teaches you how to avoid those life-threatening errors that too many other victims have made.
Not listening to your intuition.
You need to keep your internal radar tuned to pick up signals that something might be wrong.
Letting someone down easy, instead of saying a defintive NO if you're not interested in the relationship.
Trying to be nice can lead a potentially obsessive suitor to hear what he or she wants instead of the message that you're not interested.
Ignoring the early warning signs
that annoying attention might escalate into dangerous harassment and pursuit.
Responding to a stalker in any way, shape, or form.
This means not acceding to your stalkers demands even once he or she has introduced threats.
Trying to reason or bargain with a stalker.
Stalking is like a long rape. Your natural reactions almost automatically put you at a disadvantage.
Seeking a restraining or protective order.
All too often, this one act propels stalkers to act violently. Still tempted to get that piece of paper?
Expecting police to solve your problem and make it go away.
Even the Los Angeles Police Department's Threat Management Unit says that victims have to take 100% responsibility for their dealing with the situation.
Taking inadequate privacy and safety precautions.
Neglecting to enlist the support of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, therapists and other victims.
It may be tough to admit that you're being stalked, but it's not your fault.
Ignoring emotional needs during and after a stalking.
Not listening to your intuition.
You need to keep your internal radar tuned to pick up signals that something might be wrong.
Letting someone down easy, instead of saying a defintive NO if you're not interested in the relationship.
Trying to be nice can lead a potentially obsessive suitor to hear what he or she wants instead of the message that you're not interested.
Ignoring the early warning signs
that annoying attention might escalate into dangerous harassment and pursuit.
Responding to a stalker in any way, shape, or form.
This means not acceding to your stalkers demands even once he or she has introduced threats.
Trying to reason or bargain with a stalker.
Stalking is like a long rape. Your natural reactions almost automatically put you at a disadvantage.
Seeking a restraining or protective order.
All too often, this one act propels stalkers to act violently. Still tempted to get that piece of paper?
Expecting police to solve your problem and make it go away.
Even the Los Angeles Police Department's Threat Management Unit says that victims have to take 100% responsibility for their dealing with the situation.
Taking inadequate privacy and safety precautions.
Neglecting to enlist the support of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, therapists and other victims.
It may be tough to admit that you're being stalked, but it's not your fault.
Ignoring emotional needs during and after a stalking.