Stalking
Stalking is defined as threats, along with repeated harassing behavior, such as:
- Following a person
- Appearing at a person’s home, class or work
- Making harassing phone calls and e-mails
- Leaving written messages or objects
- Vandalizing a person’s property
It can include the use of regular mail, email, instant messaging, social media, or faxes.
MGH Policy on Stalking
Stalking and cyber stalking are behaviors prohibited by Institute policy and Massachusetts law. In Massachusetts such conduct are felonies. Stalking includes a willful and malicious knowing pattern of conduct or acts over a period of time directed at a specific person which seriously alarms or annoys the person and which causes a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress and makes a threat with the intent to place the person in imminent fear of death or bodily injury. Stalking can be accomplished by mail, telephone, electronic mail, internet communications, and facsimile. Conduct which does not include a threat of death or bodily injury is also illegal and considered harassment by Institute policy and Massachusetts law.
Who are victims of Stalking?
Anyone can be stalked, including the Institute community from any economic, ethnic, or religious group. A few victims are picked at random by their stalker, but most stalking victims know their stalker, usually having had some type of present or past relationship. The perpetrator can be an intimate partner or former partner, classmate, roommate, or other acquaintance. A victim can be stalked for several days or for many years. The stalker’s actions can also affect family, friends, and coworkers. Stalking and criminal harassment can be difficult to distinguish.
Examples of Stalking
- I dated this woman a couple of times but then wasn’t interested in seeing her again. She said someone would get hurt if I broke up with her. “If I can’t have you, no one else can,” she told me. We weren’t in contact for a while, but now she keeps sending me e-mails. Sometimes I don’t answer her. I changed my address but she found out what the new one was. I wish she would stop.
- Two weeks ago someone left me an anonymous “secret admirer” note in the study lounge in one of my books while I was studying. Last week I was studying at the Institute and got up to stretch. When I came back, I found a cup of coffee with a note, “I am always watching you.” My friends don’t know who is doing this and it feels creepy!
The absence of a threat means that this last example does not meet the legal definition of stalking. However it might have the same impact. If you or someone you know is experiencing a similar situation, please get help by contacting any of the resources listed below for more information. If you feel frightened or uncomfortable about someone’s specific behavior, pay attention to your instincts! Seek help.
Procedures and Resources
- Talk to one of the resources listed in the Overview for help.
- Report the stalking to the MGH Police (617-726-5400), or the police in your area, and follow their advice.
- Inform others close to you (family, friends, residential life staff, coworkers) about the stalking.
- Do your best to safely avoid all contact with the stalker.
- Keep a journal or log of all incidents connected to the stalking.
- Keep any letters, packages, taped telephone messages, or e-mails received from the stalker.
- Provide police with photographs of the suspect, a description, and other information.
- Follow basic safety tips:
- Try not to walk alone
- Know your surroundings: where emergency phones and panic buttons are located
- Lock your car and house doors when alone
- Use different routes to drive or walk to campus or other routine places
- Park your vehicle in well-lit areas
- Check your vehicle including front and rear passenger seat areas before getting in
- Change locks to your home and car
- Use the safety escort program by calling the MGH Police
Restraining Orders
There are several types of restraining orders that can be obtained through the police.
A restraining order (209A) is a court order issued by a judge that requires your past or present boyfriend, girlfriend, roommate, or blood relative to stop abusing you or face criminal penalties. There are a number of requirements that need to be met in order for a victim to apply for a criminal restraining order.
A civil stay away order is a type of restraining order, available to someone who is being abused or stalked by a non partner/roommate/relative.
Please call the MGH Police Department (617-726-5400) for more information about either order.