Stalking: Dangerous Obsession
Posted on March 5, 2008
Filed Under Criminal Law |
In films and even songs, stalking can be made light of, or even perceived as a positive or complimentary thing. However, in real life stalking is a danger that could lead to incredible harm and a wide array of crimes. Stalking is defined by California Penal Code Section 646.9, which provides that “any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family” is guilty of the crime of stalking. In essence, stalking is unwanted pursuit.
There are a number of organizations out to help individuals who are being stalked. The reality is there are individuals who stalk for a variety of reasons. “Fans” have been arrested for stalking their favorite celebrities, former spouses or significant others have been arrested as well for stalking former lovers. Obsession can often lead to despair, and while some psychological or emotional problems may also be involved, it’s hell on earth for the victims. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, two or Hollywood’s most elite and inaccessible stars, were victims of a psychotic stalker themselves. Even someone as wealthy as Douglas voiced concern over the complete lack of security he felt, imagine what it’s like for a single mother being stalked by a former lover while she’s trying to work and feed her family.
A factor that is usually a major issue in cases like these is mental health. Logically, only a person who is a bit off-balance could or would think that being overly obsessed and stalking the object of their affection would win them any love in return. However, this not only makes this person a potential stalker, but in the event of a prosecution, it makes that difficult as well. An individual must be found mentally capable of standing trial, and if that individual is found to be deranged, then this could further complicate matters.
According to a study in 2006, more than 7 million Americans have been stalked, meaning that a population almost twice the size of Los Angeles has been followed in some form or another without their consent. Stalking affects seven percent of women, and two percent of men and the results aren’t gender related. Meaning that both men and women react the same way to the stress of being stalked, fear, health issues, and other symptoms.
For people being stalked, alerting the police, possibly getting a restraining order against the offender, alerting neighbors and the HR department at work and installing security devices at home are all ways to protect yourself.
For stalkers, or people who have been accused of stalking and/or an unhealthy obsession, seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist can not only help deal with these issues, but can also be used in court to protect against false accusations.
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