Signs of a Stalker
THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2007 Watch for signs of stalking By NIKKI ATKINSON Southwest Daily Times On Jan. 5, Jodi Sanderholm disappeared. She was last seen at a Subway restaurant in Ark City. Her body was found in a rural area on Jan. 9, an apparent victim of a stalker. The suspect had reportedly been a "groupie" of Sanderholm's dance team and had stalked other members of the team as well. He worked at the restaurant where she was last seen, according to news reports. According to the FBI, stalking, as defined in the criminal justice system, is the act of repeatedly following, communicating with, watching, or moving in a threatening or menacing manner toward someone without their consent. The primary motives for stalking include power, control and possession. A recent study by the National Institute for Justice found that eight percent of American women and two percent of American men will be stalked in their lifetime. That translates to about 1.4 million American stalking victims each year. The study identified common schemes stalkers use such as repeated unsolicited phone calls, text messages and e-mail; repeatedly appearing at the victim's home, place of business or recreation; sending the victim letters and gifts; vandalizing the victim's property; and threatening to harm or harming victims' pet(s). Communications do not always threaten harm. Doreen Orion, MD, author of I Know You Really Love Me: A Psychiatrist's Journal of Erotomania, Stalking, and Obsessive Love," broadly categorizes stalkers into three categories: intimate partner, delusional and vengeful. Intimate partner stalkers are defined as the "guy who just can't let go," refusing to accept a relationship is over. People, even the victim, tend to "feel sorry" for him, but studies show this type isn't "hopelessly in love," but was abusive and controlling during the relationship, according to Orion. Delusional stalkers have had little, if any, contact with their victim, Orion writes. They may be mentally ill and hold a belief that they have a relationship or connection with the victim, usually someone "unobtainable" (teacher, doctor, lawyer or a celebrity). Vengeful stalkers become angry with their target for reasons real or imagined, according to Orion. Politicians are subject to this type of stalker over legislations and other political dealings. Ex-employees sometimes stalk former bosses or co-workers. Some believe they are the victim and engage in stalking to "get even." Orion also notes that former intimate partners and delusional stalkers can become vengeful for many reasons, like obtaining a restraining order or getting married. In general, for any type of stalker, the less of a relationship that actually existed prior to the stalking, the more mentally disturbed the stalker, Orion writes. Victims of stalking commonly feel varying levels of fear, depression, anxiety and stress, according to the FBI. Many will make major changes such as moving, changing jobs and even names to avoid harassment and discovery by the stalker. A person being stalked can take protective measures. Orion suggests telling the stalker "no" once. Any further response reinforces the stalking. Other suggestions include never giving out personal information such as address or phone numbers, getting a P.O. box, getting a dog and cell phone, vary routines, take a self-defense class, document everything and make reports to the police. Those needing further information can visit www.antistalking.com, www.stalkingvictims.com, www.fbi.gov, or contact local law enforcement. In emergency situations, call 911. http://www.swdtimes.com/swdtimes/2006/011807/story2.html