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Stalking verdict: repeat offender stalks wife and daughter!
A 43-year-old was convicted of repeated stalking at the Landau district court. The harassment included serious assaults.
Stalking verdict: repeat offender stalks wife and daughter!
A 43-year-old man from the region has now clashed with the law again - and not for the first time. The Landau district court convicted him of stalking. This latest conviction does not come as a surprise, as he had previously come to the attention of the police for similar offenses. The woman's repeated harassment included a wide range of unlawful acts, including following her, scratching her car and secretly tracking her vehicle. What's particularly frightening is that he even showed up in front of the woman's daughter's school, which further escalated the situation.
The man's actions illustrate how serious and threatening stalking is. A look at the legal framework shows that stalking is taken seriously as serious harassment or stalking, which is often considered a physical attack according to Section 1 OEG. Stalking goes beyond the limits of permissible behavior, particularly in cases involving physical assault. With the stalking law, which came into force on March 31, 2007, the legislature sent a signal and made it clear that such behavior is punishable. The effects on the people affected are serious and often underestimated.
The dimension of stalking
A current study by the Central Institute for Mental Health on behalf of the WEISSEN RING Foundation shows that the problem of stalking remains constant in Germany. In 2018, 10.8% of respondents said they were affected; In 2003 this value was 11.6%. Women are affected significantly more often (14.4%) than men (5.1%). The main perpetrators of stalking are often ex-partners, and cyber stalking is playing an increasingly important role these days. However, it must be noted that the total number of those affected has not increased significantly as a result of the digital reenactment.
The psychological and physical effects of stalking on those affected should not be underestimated. Many seek professional help, whether for their mental health or for legal advice. What is interesting is that, according to the study, 34.8% of stalking victims sought help in 2018 - an increase compared to 27% in 2003. Nevertheless, 52.1% of those affected find the legal options inadequate.
Protection for the victims
The WEISSE RING offers anonymous online advice and support via a victim hotline, and also provides a free stalking diary to help those affected record their experiences. This offer is an important step because many of those affected often do not know how they can protect themselves legally.
The Landau district court's ruling represents a further step in the fight against stalking. The repeat offender's actions are an urgent appeal to take stalking seriously and to use legal options to protect those affected. It remains to be hoped that such cases will become rarer in the future and that the decline in stalking will be further promoted through preventive measures and education.
Anyone interested can find further information about stalking and comprehensive advice on the website Rhine Palatinate, Law Forum and WHITE RING Foundation.