Louisiana’s Act No. 64, effective this year, allows victims of stalking and cyberstalking to break their rental leases without financial penalties, expanding protections that were previously limited to domestic abuse victims.
While this is an effective measure for victims, experts warned that stalkers may still find ways to locate a victim’s new address.
According to the Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center, one in three women and one in six men will experience stalking in their lifetime.
While it’s always urged to file a police report, experts said victims often do not see immediate legal action.
“Something that is very frustrating to a lot of stalking victims in that they don’t feel like their case is being taken seriously, and to the officers that it may not be considered a priority,” said Dr. Patrick Brady, criminal justice professor.
There are several common tactics used by stalkers, whether they know their victim or not.
If an unwanted visitor consistently shows up at your home, experts recommend documenting the encounter by noting the exact date and time and taking photos of the specific incident.
Brady also advised victims to inform their local community and nearby residents that the instance has been occurring, to gain more traction for protecting the victim.
“This is a crime where, you know, not all victims want to disclose that this is happening,” Brady said, “But unfortunately, stalking kind of requires that you have to let your property manager know. You have to let your neighbors know that, like, ‘hey, this person is targeting me. They shouldn’t be in the, the building or the area. So if you see this person, like call 911.'”
Stalkers can also exist online, which Brady said is difficult to bring to justice because it does not involve a physical approach and is often not seen as a direct threat from Law enforcement.
There are several hotlines ready to offer support, both locally and nationally.
Below are several options for victims of stalking, domestic abuse, and violence.
Local resources:
- The Family Justice Center of New Orleans
- 24-hour crisis hotline: (504)-866-9554
- Office number: (504)-592-4005
- Silence is Violence
- (504) 282-0607
- Metro Centers for Community Advocacy
- (504)-837-5400
- 24-hour crisis hotline: (888)-411-1333
National resources:
- Victim Connect
- (855)-484-2846
- Confidential referrals for crime victims, including stalking
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Helpline
- (844)-878-2274
- Assists victims of image-based sexual abuse and assault
- National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project, serving Immigrant victims of stalking
- Click here to be connected with resources throughout the Country, and specific resources for Louisiana.
READ MORE:Criminal Justice experts speak on how Louisiana stalking victims can take action
