Phone stalking is the act of repeatedly threatening or harassing someone over the phone, which is illegal in the US. Women are often stalked by people they know, especially if they have been physically or sexually assaulted. The stalker may make repeated calls, even if they don’t say anything. Victims can keep records of the calls and contact the police or telephone company for help. Support from family, friends, and counseling can also be helpful.
Telephone stalking is the act of continually displaying unwanted threatening or harassing behavior over the phone. Actual definitions in each jurisdiction will vary, but most agree that any threatening or repetitively malicious act done over the telephone constitutes stalking. This is illegal in the US.
Studies have found that women are more often stalked. Many times these women are stalked by people they know. Women who have been physically or sexually assaulted by former or current partners are much more likely to be stalked by these partners.
A person engaging in this type of stalking may receive repeated threats or harassment over the phone. They may or may not know the person on the other end of the phone. Phone stalking can add to the victim’s phone bills and make them reluctant to answer any phone calls.
Most people don’t realize that a stalker doesn’t need to say anything on the phone for the act to be considered phone stalking. Calling and hanging up over and over again is also considered harassment. A stalker might also call and stay on the line silently. Both of these acts are illegal in many jurisdictions.
If a person has become a victim of phone stalking, there are several steps they can take to stop the harassment. Keeping a record of the date, time and nature of each malicious phone call will create evidence that can be used by both the police and the telephone company. The police and telephone company can be contacted and made aware of the calls. They may be able to trace the call and quickly find out the name of the person behind the phone stalking.
Victims may also want to get an answering machine with a tape. The stalker can then be registered and this proof can be presented to the police. In some jurisdictions, it is also legal to record the person while on the phone, as long as they are advised that the conversation has been recorded.
Those who have become victims of phone stalking will most likely need the support and comfort of family and friends. Many cities also have support groups to help victims of this crime. Professional counseling can also be helpful for some people who have gone through the trauma of phone stalking.
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