Stalking and Its Impacts on DV Survivors

In a domestic violence situation, abusers often employ stalking as a means to further their control over survivors. This unrelenting behavior can seem suffocating and scary, but resources are available to help survivors reclaim their freedom and live a life free from this harassment.

What is stalking?

Stalking is the unwanted pursuit or harassment of an individual, often involving persistent and threatening behavior. 

Stalking is a common element of control in domestic violence situations. Today, this can be both physically stalking someone at home, work, or the homes of friends and family as well as digitally – through social media, harassment over email and text, or tracking locations via phone data.

In New York, strict anti-stalking laws provide additional protections for survivors who have secured orders of protection (or OPs). This includes arrest for any misdemeanor offenses or violations of OPs (i.e. instances of stalking or harassment), while further restricting abusers’ potential for danger with the removal of firearms and stronger custody protections for survivors.

The Persistence of Stalking in a Survivor’s Journey

For the safety of all involved, we’ve removed any identifying details about the individuals in this case.

In a recent case, DVP met a survivor who faced regular abuse from their spouse that began almost immediately after their children were born. The unrelenting attacks pushed the survivor to flee, but even after separation, the abuse didn’t end for the survivor. The abuser sent their new partner to the survivor’s home to stalk, harass, and attack them – breaking down the door and screaming at the survivor while their children were home. The noise terrified the children before the police were finally able to come and arrest the new partner.

The survivor had been able to connect with DVP, who secured an order of protection while helping the individual find shelter for them and their children. Still, the abuser tracked down the survivor and continued to stalk them. They would regularly follow them as they commuted from the children’s school to their job via subway, despite an active order of protection. DVP took regular note and made the court aware of these violations in addition to safety planning with the survivor.

Finding the Resources to Live Safely and Freely

After briefly navigating the shelter system, the survivor was able to get an apartment. They also secured a grant to cover moving and furnishing costs for their new place. With support from DVP, they reached a settlement that granted them full protection for them and their children for two years along with sole physical and legal custody. 

A combination of support from DVP staff, community resources, and the survivor’s own resilience enabled their and their children’s freedom. Their persistence was far more powerful than the harassment and cruelty of their stalker abuser. This survivor demonstrated, once again, how an empowered individual can accomplish incredible things for themselves and their loved ones.

Joining DVP in the Fight for Survivor Justice

More than ever, DVP is ready to fight for our clients – no matter what community they’re from or their immigration status. Our organization provides crucial services supported by community members like you, including:

• Legal protections for undocumented survivors of DV and IPV
• Advocacy for necessary services, housing, and support
• Guidance on immigration protocols and procedures to protect survivors from their abusers and secure safety, liberation, and better lives in the US

Click the link below to support, donate, and volunteer with DVP and help bring our mission to life. Plus, sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates on DVP’s crucial work and more ways to get involved.

Learn more about how you can support survivors and their children to live free of violence and abuse.

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