What to Do If You Are a Victim of Stalking During Divorce

One of the sad realities of our day and age is stalking. So, what exactly is stalking? To paraphrase the definition given by Dictionary.com, stalking is unwanted following related to the act of pursuing or harassing. If you have been divorced, the likelihood of you being stalked by your ex is higher than the average.  According to figures compiled by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 60.8% of female victims and 43.5% of male victims of stalking are stalked by a current or former intimate partner. On a percentage basis, statistics suggest that about 3.4% of divorced or separated individuals will become victims of a stalker. So, while not common, that means about one person in thirty will have a stalker to deal with. What to do if you are a victim of stalking during divorce? Let’s have a look at the actions you can take.  

Stalking During Divorce

Stalking during divorce is clearly a significant issue. Whether the divorce is final or not is not an issue. Stalking by a future ex is still stalking and carries with it all the same stresses and emotional tension. Divorce is difficult and painful for all parties involved as it is, but stalking by an ex adds even more stress and discomfort to the whole process. A victim of such stalking should not take the situation lightly. You never know when the stalking by an ex can escalate into something more serious, including an act of physical violence towards you. What to do if you are being stalked by an ex? You should consult an expert divorce lawyer right away.

Avoiding Stalking by Ex

While going through a divorce there are many issues that can arise that require communication between the parties. If the couple is separated and have children, even more situations can arise requiring communication between the parents. Stalking goes beyond the need for normal phone calls or texting to coordinate picking up children at daycare or transporting them to an after-school activity. Excessive texting to inquire about where you are and what you are doing may be a sign of stalking by an ex. Likewise, showing up unexpectedly at your home or work with little or no regard for boundaries is another strong indicator and red flag. You should consult a family law attorney at the Shapiro Law Group if you feel you may be a victim of stalking during divorce.

What to Do if You Are Being Stalked by an Ex

What do you do if you are being stalked by an ex? Massachusetts has laws in place to deal with harassment and stalking. A family law attorney can assist a person who is experiencing stalking by an ex in getting a restraining order prohibiting the person from engaging in the stalking behavior. If the restraining order is violated, the law allows for various levels of punishment, up to and including imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Stalked by Your Ex? Consult the Shapiro Law Group

If you have been a victim of stalking during a divorce, do not take it lightly. Do not delay in contacting us at the Shapiro Law Group to help you sort through the plethora of factors that need to be reviewed. Our family law attorneys are here to help. Call today at 339-298-2300 for a free consultation.