Stalking is often seen as a nearly victimless crime. In fact, it has only been in recent years that the public perception regarding stalking has changed to acknowledge that it is a crime, and many people suffer immense trauma. The victims of stalkers can spend years living in fear, feeling isolated, and without any privacy.
If you suspect that someone is stalking you, you should hire a Greenville private investigator today. Private investigation services can play a pivotal role in convincing authorities someone is harassing you and gathering evidence for the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Stalking and Stalking Victims
Not everyone knows their stalker. It is a common misconception that women are stalked by scorned lovers, but this makes up a small percentage of stalking victims.
One in six women will experience stalking over the course of their life, and an additional one in 19 men will too. That makes up about 21% of the U.S. population. Only about 66% of female victims know their stalker, and about 40% of men know their stalker.
This is drastically lower than the perceived image of all stalking victims knowing and having negative past experiences with their stalkers. In these instances, the victim may have simply gone to school with the person, or worked with them, not necessarily having been linked in a romantic relationship.
Often the stalking doesn’t result in any charges, and typically victims cannot get restraining orders. One of the primary obstacles in getting a restraining order or filing charges is that the victim doesn’t know the identity of the stalker or doesn’t have enough proof of illegal activity and threatening behavior.
How Does South Carolina Law Define Stalking?
South Carolina Code Section 16-3-1700 defines stalking as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others. Repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct that would cause a person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened may be considered stalking.
Signs of Stalking
Recognizing the signs of stalking is the first step in addressing the issue. Common indicators include:
- Unwanted Communication: Persistent phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media messages.
- Following or Surveillance: Being followed, monitored, or watched by the stalker, either physically or through electronic means.
- Unwanted Gifts: Receiving unwanted gifts, letters, or packages from the stalker.
- Threatening Behavior: Direct or indirect threats to the victim or their loved ones.
- Property Damage: Vandalism or damage to the victim’s property.
- Invasion of Privacy: The stalker shows up at the victim’s home, workplace, or other frequented locations without invitation.
Why Hire a Private Investigator for Stalking Cases?
To get a restraining order in South Carolina, you need to prove that there have been at least two events of clear stalking, harassment, or threatening events. Text messages alone won’t convince a court. A slew of text messages that are clearly harassment from a number or series of numbers that you can’t identify aren’t enough for perpetrators to be held accountable.
This is why it’s so difficult for stalking victims to get the support they need from law enforcement authorities. The stalking and harassment are happening, but the victim can’t prove who is behind it.
Stalking victims are often left on the sidelines when it comes to police investigations. One of the things that you can do to take control of this situation in your life is to hire a private investigator. Through careful surveillance and classic investigative techniques, our team can help obtain evidence so you can take legal action.
We use surveillance, and a wide variety of investigative methods to uncover a stalker’s identity and obtain the evidence necessary to prove the stalking and harassment.
How Private Investigators Help Stalking Victims
Private investigators can play a pivotal role in helping victims by gathering evidence. PIs are qualified professionals who use surveillance, and a wide variety of investigative methods to uncover a stalker’s identity and obtain the evidence necessary to prove the stalking and harassment.
Here is how our team of investigators can assist you:
- Surveillance: We conduct surveillance to document the stalker’s behavior, providing concrete evidence that can be used in court.
- Background Checks: We perform thorough background checks to uncover any prior history of stalking by the perpetrator.
- Digital Forensics: Our experts can analyze electronic communications, social media activity, and other digital footprints to gather evidence of cyber stalking.
- Witness Statements: We interview witnesses to provide additional support for the victim’s claims.
- Collaborating with Law Enforcement: We work closely with local police to ensure that all evidence is properly documented and can be used effectively in legal proceedings.
Hiring a private investigator can help you take back control and obtain the crucial proof needed for restraining orders and criminal charges.
What to Do If You Are Being Stalked
If you believe you are being stalked, it is important to act immediately to protect yourself. Here are some key steps you should consider:
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all stalking incidents, including dates, times, locations, and any communication or interactions with the stalker.
- Notify Law Enforcement: Report the stalking to police as soon as possible. Provide them with all the evidence and documentation you have gathered.
- Seek a Restraining Order: Consider obtaining a restraining order or order of protection against the stalker. This court order can prohibit the stalker from contacting or approaching you.
- Enhance Security: Take steps to improve your personal security, such as changing locks, installing security cameras, and ensuring your home and workplace are secure.
- Limit Public Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information publicly, including on social media. Adjust privacy settings and limit the amount of personal information you share online.
- Reach Out for Support: Seek support from friends, family members, and professional counselors. Stalking can take a significant emotional toll, and it’s important to have a strong support network.
How Can Stalking Victims Get Help?
Stalking victims often feel isolated and even embarrassed or ashamed about having a stalker. However, many organizations offer resources and information to victims of these crimes. There is help available, and there are people who are genuinely dedicated to helping individuals get the information and degree of privacy that they deserve.
You can reach out to the National Center for Victims of Crime and use the Stalking Prevention and Awareness Resource Center. You can also find a wide variety of support groups, both online and in person. These groups help victims of stalking connect and share their experiences to not only raise awareness but to overcome some of the trauma that occurred as a result of the stalking.
Contact a Greenville, SC Private Investigator!
For stalking victims, it’s easy to feel isolated and to know that clearly, your personal privacy and security are at risk. Sometimes the best approach to stalking is to get as much information as possible about the stalker.
With more information, victims can take legal action, give police the information they need to press charges, and more. Private investigator investigators can help you obtain the necessary evidence to take legal steps to protect yourself and the people around you.
Contact Upstate Private Investigators today for a free consultation. We cater to the communities of Greenville and Spartanburg SC, but we serve clients across the upstate region. Our experience in handling counter surveillance, computer forensics, background checks, and more has equipped us with the skills to handle such cases with skill and care.