Stalking cases are particularly difficult in a workplace setting, as there is often a likelihood that the stalker will show up on the worksite if he or she is having any kind of difficulty in locating the victim, since the workplace is typically the easiest way to find the victim.
These stalkers tend to be profoundly jealous, paranoid and make wild accusations of infidelity. If they come into the workplace, it is usually to cause harm, and anyone can become collateral damage. Obviously, the situation becomes even more problematic if the victim and stalker are coworkers.
Sometimes, stalking can be based on a delusional belief, in which a person obsessively believes that they have a relationship with an individual, when in fact none exist. This type of stalking is more rare, and usually involves public figures or persons in the entertainment industry.
In the workplace setting, the more common type of stalking involves a previous relationship that has ended. One party refuses to accept that the relationship is over, becomes enraged and engages in a persistent course of harassing, threatening, and potentially dangerous behaviors.
When we are asked to consult in these cases, we assess based on several factors including (but certainly not limited to) the history of previous stalking, the number and nature of stalking methods (i.e., more versatility often equates to a greater likelihood to persist and inflict harm), breaches of court orders, and other aggressive, intrusive and/or illegal activities - such as hacking into the victim's computer.
We thoroughly assess the nature of the relationship between a stalker and the victim, and the motivation of the stalker, his or her psychological functioning, the social vulnerabilities of the victim, and (very importantly) whether the frequency and intrusiveness of the stalking is escalating.
Developing a risk assessment and management plan is then developed based upon the answers to these inquiries. Victim compliance is critical, as this individual will need to follow the safety plan strictly, make security aware of any breaches or ongoing threats, and generally not undermine (intentionally or otherwise) the organization's assessment and management process.
These are always difficult cases that need to be approached with caution and careful consideration of every response decision. We must always remind ourselves that there are 3 possible consequences to any action on our part: 1) it can change for the better, 2) it can remain unchanged or 3) we can make it worse. As always, assessment is key; the more we know, the better we can put together an effective management plan.
These cases generally require a multifaceted, coordinated and well-coordinated approach under the guidance of a multi-disciplinary team involving Management, Human Resources, Security and psychological-based Threat Assessment - and can often includes coordination with law enforcement and other external resources.
In a subsequent issue, we will discuss the types of stalkers and more details regarding the management process.
Tom Evans, Ph.D.
Critical Response Associates
