During a divorce, one thing that can become a major issue is stalking. Stalking is against the law, and it could hurt any person’s case who participates in that action.
Stalking can be, in some cases, a form of domestic violence. It can also cause unnecessary stress and tension that is unfair for you to have to go through. With that in mind, it’s important for you to know what to do if you have asked for a divorce and you continue to be harassed and stalked by your spouse.
Stalking is more common than you may think
According to Justice.gov, around 14 out of every 1,000 adults become victims of stalking each year. Many of these people deal with stalking in the aftermath of filing for a divorce or separating from their spouses.
In fact, though 14 of 1,000 people are stalked in the general population, those who are separated or divorced are at a greater risk– a risk of about 34 people out of every 1,000.
Both men and women can be at risk of being stalked, so it’s necessary to look for the signs of stalking and to take action if you believe that you’re being stalked and harassed by your estranged spouse.
Red flags that your ex is stalking you
There are several red flags that could signify that your ex-spouse is stalking you. These might include:
- Running into them no matter where you are. You might be out of town and think you saw them at a café you were visiting or could be in town and notice their vehicle following you.
- You notice a vehicle that looks like your ex’s coming by your house at all hours of the day or night.
- Your ex continues to send you emails or texts about where you’ve been or why you weren’t home when they thought you should be.
- Your friends report getting your ex as a new follower on social media, showing that they may be trying to track you.
These are some negative signs, and you need to be aware that stalking is a possibility in these kinds of scenarios. If you feel threatened, it’s necessary to let your attorney and the police know, so you can seek out a restraining or protective order.