Lawyers Manual - Unified Court System

Taking Stalking Seriously 199
Assist Your Client in Identifying Other Types of Past Stalking
Behavior to Help Establish a Course of Conduct
Ask whether the stalker has engaged in any of the following behaviors in
the past: gathering information about her from her family, friends, the post
office, internet, employer, school or other sources; persistently approaching her
and asking for dates, meetings or other contact; leaving her notes or unwanted
gifts; sitting or standing outside her home or work place; driving by her home or
work place, or waiting next to her car in the parking lot; taking photographs of
her without her permission; sending threatening mail, email or notes; calling her
incessantly to “check up on her;” threatening her family or friends; breaking
into or entering her home; or physically or sexually assaulting her.
Ask your client whether she has done any of the following in the past in
response to the stalker’s behavior: moved to a new residence; changed jobs or
requested a transfer; obtained a new phone number; asked a friend to escort her
to her car or her home; put extra locks on her home; altered her work schedule
or travel routines; sought refuge in a shelter; or bought a personal protection
device such as mace or pepper spray.
Map out the client’s life (home, job, school, friends’ homes, etc.) to predict
where the stalker will strike next. This will help both with safety planning and
monitoring the stalker.
Develop a Log
Ask your client to use a calendar and, whenever possible, a camera to document
the “when, where and how” of the stalker’s modus operandi. Of course, any such
action should only be taken after carefully considering the risks to her safety.
Help Gather Evidence
Collect recorded phone messages, email messages, letters, notes, cards, gifts,
domestic incidence reports or police reports, orders of protection, and relevant
photos, videos and recordings that will help document the stalker’s pursuit of
your client.
Mobilize Support for Your Client
Encourage your client to contact and confide in trusted friends, family
members, neighbors and co-workers who can help her monitor the stalker, gather
evidence, assess the evolving risk situation, alter her daily routines and keep safe.