In California, domestic violence is defined by violence or threats involving family or household members. It doesn’t encompass violence or threats from individuals who never lived together. In today’s society, social media has presented immediate access to anyone. Unfortunately, it provides immediate access to stalkers and others who have ill intentions. A civil harassment attorney in Lake Elsinore helps victims take action right now.
What Is Stalking?
Stalking is considered an act in which an individual is harassing a victim by visiting places the victim frequents or conducting unlawful surveillance. The stalker monitors the victim’s activity closely and collects information about the victim. The information is used to threaten the victim to achieve a specific outcome. Typically, the outcome is sexual assault, physical violence, or even murder.
How Does the Law Protect the Victim?
The stalking laws require the victim to file formal charges against their stalker. Any unwanted communications fall under the harassing communications laws. Under the laws, the victim must inform their stalker that they don’t want any further contact. At which point, the victim is required to stop all communications with their stalker. Any responses by the victim are considered as condoning the stalker’s behavior.
If the stalker comes to the victim’s home, the victim files charges for trespassing. The victim petitions the court when they fear for their life. The court provides a protection order for the victim. The order defines all activities that are unlawful and prohibited. Any violations of the order lead to new charges.
Physical or Sexual Contact
A stalker that has physically or sexually assaulted the victim faces charges that reflect their crime. It is under the conditions that the laws protect the victim more proactively. Some jurisdictions relocate the victim to an undisclosed location pending the trial.
In California, celebrities and individuals alike are stalked and harassed. For some, the crimes progressed to brutality and kidnapping. The perpetrators develop an obsession with their victims and continue their course of action until more serious crimes are conducted. Victims of harassment and stalking should contact a civil harassment attorney in Lake Elsinore through the Law Office of Michelle Penna or browse the website right now.
