Crime Info & Support

Stalking

An advocate with the USF Center for Victim Advocacy is a professional who is trained to respond with compassion and expertise to the victims of crime, violence and abuse. This includes crisis intervention, advocacy and accompaniment, and nonjudgmental support to victims to help them get through the experience and regain control of their lives. If you are experiencing a stalking situation, an advocate can explore reporting options, assist in developing a safety plan, and provide advocacy as needed. 

STALKING

FL Statute 784.048

1) A person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person commits the offence of stalking, a misdemeanor.

2) A person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person makes a credible threat to that person commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony in the third degree. 

  •  "Harass" means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes substantial emotional distress to that person and serves no legitimate purpose.
  • "Course of Conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, which evidences a continuity or purpose.
  • "Credible Threat" means a verbal or nonverbal threat, or a combination of the two, including threats delivered by electronic communication or implied by a pattern of conduct, which places the person who is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family members or individuals closely associated with the person, and which is made with the apparent ability to carry out the threat to cause such harm.
  • "Cyberstalk" means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose. 

In situations of Stalking:

Save every communication to or form the stalker via voicemail, text, social media or email
Keep a dated log of every incident and contact with the stalker; note any witnesses
Photograph any items (notes, gifts, etc.) left by the stalker on your car, at your door, in your mailbox, etc., while the items are still in place.

Not sure what to do? Contact the Center for Victim Advocacy  24/7 at (813) 974-5757 to confidentially explore your options.