Verizon joins state
effort against stalkers
The state Department of the Attorney General and anti-domestic violence organizations have declared war on stalkers.
"Stalking is a crime of terror. It is one part threat and one part waiting for the threat to be carried out," said Attorney General Mark Bennett. "The stalking victim has no way to resolve the threat and terror that she or he feels."
The Attorney General's Office announced yesterday it has developed a statewide coordinated campaign to respond to stalking incidents. It includes educating the public to recognize stalking behavior and training criminal justice and advocacy agencies to recognize and respond to incidents.
Nationally, one out of a dozen women and one out of 45 men will be stalked sometime in their life, according to the National Institute of Justice. A majority of the victims are stalked by someone they know, such as a former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend.
Some 50 free kits that include a flashlight, memo pad and pen, cellular phone and other items will be provided to stalking victims, thanks to a grant from Verizon Wireless. The kit helps victims write down information about their stalkers and report their activities.
Bennett said stalking is defined as conduct directed at a person that involves repeated visual or physical proximity, non-consensual communication, or verbal, written or implied threats that would cause fear in a reasonable person.
Stalking behavior includes annoying or threatening phone calls; sending unwanted letters, gifts or e-mails; following a person; or appearing at a person's home or workplace uninvited.
During this past legislative session, a state stalking law was amended to clarify that stalking "involves engaging in more than one occurrence of a course of conduct that is without legitimate purpose." Harassment by stalking is considered a misdemeanor.
"It could easily escalate to something detrimental or fatal," said Anthony Wong, planning specialist for the Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division.
Though Hawaii has not experienced many cases involving stalking, it does not mean stalking does not exist, said Wong.
"The prime concern is victim safety," he said.
"A lot of incidents are related to power and control issues," said Wong.
At times, victims seek psychological help or undergo treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being stalked, Wong said.
"It forces the victims to alter their lifestyle. Sometimes they quit their jobs and move elsewhere. If the victim has children, they become victims, too," he added.
Stalking kits are available by calling the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline at 531-3771 or toll-free at (800) 690-6200.
