TALLAHASSEE, FL (#WTXLDigital) - It's easy to confuse a coincidence for stalking. Whether it's someone familiar or a complete stranger, seeing the same person over and over again might leave an unsettling feeling.
Trevor Dyke, a political science major, found himself in an unhappy relationship a few years ago. Even though it began in Chicago, he is still feeling the effects today.
He called it quits with his ex-girlfriend last January, who still resides in the Windy City—yet she still calls him today. “It feels like an evasion of me” he stated. He says that he has grown tired of the harassing calls but does not see himself formally filling a complaint. “I guess she will eventually get burned out from calling.”
According to the Florida Senate's website, state statutes define stalking (784.048) as a “harassing” means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person.
The statute also says that stalking causes substantial emotional distress in someone and serves no legitimate purpose. It further defines more specific forms of stalking, like “Course of conduct”, “Credible threat” and “Cyber stalking.”
Ken Fowler Ph.D., a licensed mental health counselor, has had his fair share of cases in his office. He says that stalkers have a rather harder time letting go of a person.
Fowler suggests the individual is thinking, ‘I have to stay connected to you or I won’t make it’. The message that Fowler tells his clients: “Stop finding unhealthy behavior cute.”
He says that showing too much possessive behavior in the beginning stages of a relationship is red light.
Tallahassee Police Officer Anitra Highland says, “If the incident occurred on campus, then contact the on campus police department first. If it occurs off campus then contact TPD.”
She also explained that it’s not necessarily stalking if you have previously gone to the same places with that person. It’s a strong possibility that that person will visit those same places again. She says that it doesn't make either party wrong.
For more information call Tallahassee Police at 850-891-4200.
