(FLORIDA)- A single mom, who had been living in fear, was being stalked by her ex-boyfriend after their relationship came to an end. The ordeal became frightening, and even dangerous when the victim was targeted by both her ex-boyfriend and his mother.
She didn't feel safe any longer. Nights were sleepless. Days at work were filled with anxiety.
So, the victim sought help and filed for a protective injunction in court.
Florida Rural Legal Services' attorney Joshua Horton, who was working under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), was assigned to this case short notice and represented the victim in court.
Attorney Horton successfully attained an injunction for stalking for one year for the victim against the mother, and the ex-boyfriend's day in court is looming.
"It [the court hearing] was highly contested, and last minute, but FRLS secured a much-needed victory for our victim," said Horton. "So to be able to provide her with that layer of protection, it's really a relief."
Stalking is a crime of power and control. It is a course of action directed at an individual that causes the victim to fear for their safety, and generally involves repeated visual or physical proximity, nonconsensual communication, and verbal, written, or implied threats.
Research shows that victims of stalking are more likely to experience anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression compared to the general population.
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Territories, and the Federal Government.
What can I do if I am a victim of stalking?
If you are a victim of stalking, call your local police department's emergency number (911) to report any incidents.
If you feel you need protection, and you have not done so already, you should consider filing for a protective order, which you can request through civil proceedings. Additionally, if appropriate, you may be able to obtain a no-contact order through the criminal case involving the defendant who threatened you.
A "protective," "no-contact," or "stay-away" order is a legal protection that a court issues against the offender to restrict the offender’s contact and interactions with you.
If the offender continues to harass or threaten you, this behavior may be punishable by law. Under the Federal Violence Against Women Act, jurisdictions must give full faith and credit to valid protective orders issued by other jurisdictions. Full faith and credit is a legal term that means jurisdictions must honor and enforce orders issued by courts in other jurisdictions. This can enable you to call on law enforcement officers and the courts to enforce orders of protection across state lines.
How can FRLS help stalking victims for FREE?
Florida Rural Legal Services currently provides free legal services to victims of crimes, under the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) grant, which is designed to reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable.
Our experienced advocates and attorneys provide representation and guidance on issues including orders of protection, parenting plans, divorce, paternity, temporary custody, and more.
For more info on how FRLS can help stalking victims, click here or call 1-888-582-3410 .