Stalking After Divorce Or Separation

By Cathy Meyer, About.com Guide

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If you are divorced or separated, you are more likely to become a victim of stalking. On this page, you will find statistics and helpful resources for those who are being stalked by a spouse or ex-spouse.

Stalking Statistics:

During a 12-month period an estimated 14 in every 1,000 persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking.

About half (46%) of stalking victims experienced at least one unwanted contact per week, and 11% of victims said they had been stalked for 5 years or more.
The risk of stalking victimization was highest for individuals who were divorced or separated—34 per 1,000 individuals.
Women were at greater risk than men for stalking victimization; however, women and men were equally likely to experience harassment.
Male (37%) and female (41%) stalking victimizations were equally likely to be reported to the police.
Approximately 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form of cyberstalking such as e-mail (83%) or instant messaging (35%).
46% of stalking victims felt fear of not knowing what would happen next.
Nearly 3 in 4 stalking victims knew their offender in some capacity.

If your ex-spouse is stalking you, your first reaction maybe to “give it time.” Many men and women make the mistake of thinking that time will take care of the ex’s anger and need to control. Time may take care of the issue but, in the interim it is best to protect yourself. Knowing your states stalking laws and filing a restraining order is the smart thing to do if someone is stalking you.

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