Stalking is an issue that gets lumped in with domestic violence but is often overlooked at as its own specific problem. Countless people across Lycoming County have experienced or are experiencing stalking by a stranger or someone they know.

A few years ago, a friend of mine went out on a couple dates with a guy. She eventually told him that she wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship with him. The man was furious, he told her to reconsider because he was in love with her. She told him no and to not contact her anymore.

Cutting off contact didn’t stop him from watching her from his car outside her apartment. She left to make a trip to the grocery store with her children when she noticed his car parked on her street. She shrugged it off thinking nothing of it.

Upon returning over an hour later, he was still sitting there.

He did this for several weeks until her new boyfriend told him to leave immediately. After he was confronted, he never returned.

Stalking is repeated and unwanted attention, harassment or contact directed at a specific person that would cause a person to feel fear.

It can include following someone by foot or vehicle, watching them at work or home, contacting them relentlessly via phone, email or social media and sending unwanted gifts.

Stalking also has received national attention after Lauren McCluskey, a student at the University of Utah, was murdered by an ex-boyfriend in October. She alerted the university and Salt Lake City police departments that he had been stalking, blackmailing and harassing her for weeks.

No action was taken to protect her even though she had reached out to police multiple times.

If somebody is stalking you either in-person or online, it is important to take careful steps that will keep you and your family safe. These tips come from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN).

Change your everyday route to and from the places you frequent such as home, work, the gym, etc. Inform your coworkers, family members, children or whoever your stalker may try to contact. Brief them so they are aware that the stalker is a dangerous person and to call the police if necessary.

Keep a log of the day and time that the stalker is following or contacting you as proof for law enforcement.

Collect evidence by printing out emails, screenshotting conversations and call logs as well as keeping gifts that they’ve sent you. If it is safe, take photos or videos of the stalker as proof that they have been following you multiple times.

Reporting the stalking to law enforcement could be the next step if they refuse to stop.

Through a lawyer or Wise Options legal advocate, they can send a Defiant Trespass Letter which tells the stalker that the victim does not want to be contacted in any way.

If the stalker persists, pressing charges or getting a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) may be the only option for true safety.

Stalking is a crime in Pennsylvania. Someone can be charged with stalking if the alleged perpetrator commits at least two acts of unwanted contact and/or the victim has reasonable fear of bodily injury or is experiencing emotional distress.

Our Wise Options legal advocates are experienced in helping stalking victims figure out what is the next best step for them. Whatever the client chooses, our advocates hold their hand throughout the process.

If you or someone you know thinks they are being stalked, please call our 24/7 confidential hotline at 1-800-326-8483.

Bloom is the communications associate at the YWCA, 815 W. Fourth St. Her column is in the Lifestyle section.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual assault, Wise Options can help 24/7 with a confidential hotline at 800-326-8483.