YOU'LL BE THINKING OF ME. YOU MAY NOT BE THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS, BUT YOU'LL BE THINKING OF ME.
Schell and Lanteigne, 2000, p. 69
Welcome to Just Stalking: Maryland Stalking Resources and AWARENESS
Most Stalking resources available in Maryland are subsumed within other services such as domestic violence, sexual and/or other assault/abuse. While this may be the eventual outcome of stalking, this leaves many stalking victims lost as to where to obtain resources until their victimization(s) have hit a boiling point. Until this happens, the message often is, "you don't fit into this program," implicitly or explicitly, as stalking is often considered within the context of the Violence Against Women Act, therefore the mindset is "and stalking." However, stalking is a unique crime that can be independent of these other concerns, and it can happen to all genders, and is not always a crime within the context of "affection" or with the motive of intimacy but can be motivated by revenge.
The goal of this site is to enable victims, bystanders, and providers, to see the "red flags," earlier, so victims can receive help promptly, by employing the tangible tips and strategies outlined throughout the site. We provide resources for those managing a stalker to find solutions. Finally, we identify strategies for those in positions of power to address stalking from a policy position.
Join our Volunteer Team
Legislative Coordinator
We are looking for a volunteer, to assist our
Legislative Committee, by Monitoring the activity of the upcoming 2025
Maryland Legislative session, with special
attention to bills that may impact stalking laws &/or the Criminal Justice System’s response to stalking victims.
Click the image to learn more about the duties & responsibilities.
If you are interested, please fill out a temporary volunteer application & email it to admin@juststalkingmdresources.org. Email us with any questions.
Event Planner
Help our Events Committee create the budget for our upcoming Annual January Stalking Awareness Event. Assist with managing the guest list, identifying donors, coordinating catering, and more.
If you are interested, please fill out a temporary volunteer application & email it to admin@juststalkingmdresources.org. Email us with any questions.
GET HELP. CALL SOMEBODY.... TELL EVERYONE, LET EVERYBODY KNOW, SOMEBODY WILL HELP YOU. Just let them know, continuously, all the time. Eventually, if they're not GONNA help you they'll get f******g sick of hearing you and do something for you. You know it's there, find it. don't be scared.
Logan, et al., 2006, p. 299
My Stalking Story
911 Can you Hear Me I Said Stalking
Our Programs
Community Resources and Connections
Community Resources and Connections
Community Resources and Connections
Our community is full of people who want to help. Stalking victimization can cause isolation and fear, including confusion regarding how to handle the situation. Our primary goal is to connect victims with tangible resources within and around the community that can address the stalking behaviors. Throughout the site will be links to Maryland (or local) resources as well as items that can be purchased to help victims document stalking behaviors, increase safety and security, and report crimes. This is a peer-run site, ideas are welcome, as are community organizations. Contact us with your suggestions or to list your products or services.
Awareness and Education
Community Resources and Connections
Community Resources and Connections
Stalking victims, particularly in early stages, may dismiss or minimize their victimization (Logan, et al., 2006; Schell & Lanteigne, 2000). Bystanders on the other hand have the opportunity to see stalking in an objective manner, with the right tools. It is important for those in authority to be aware of the risk factors and "red flags." Additionally, it is important for those in positions of power and authority to take responsibility, to seek guidance, and maintain evidence to support the "pattern of behavior" for later potential court proceedings. This is particularly important for educational and work environments where policies can be enhanced to better warn and protect victims.
Policy and Legislative Advocacy
Community Resources and Connections
Policy and Legislative Advocacy
Research suggests that despite legislative action beginning in the 1990s, stalking continues to be seen as a petty crime, synonymous with harassment. Victims must articulate they are "in fear" before stalking can be charged, regardless of the objective behavior. Law enforcement officers are not trained to screen for stalking when working with potential victims. Research also suggests peace and protective orders (PPOs) are not adequately enforced, allowing stalkers to maintain their behavior. Employers, educators and administrators need to hold themselves accountable for the stalking of those under their care. Policies should specifically address stalking, independent of sexual harassment or domestic violence.
Join our team
Volunteer Application
Volunteers can now apply to join Just Stalking to work in one or more of our many committees or subcommittees. We work all over Maryland providing resources, outreach, training, and much more. Apply today!
Temporary-Volunteer Application
Temporary volunteers work on specific projects and events such as our National Stalking Awareness event in January, our Cyberstalking Ball in October, and our Crab Fest in July. Other temporary projects will be announced as needed. Apply today!
Committees & Subcomittees
Learn more
Learn more about our available committees and subcommittees at Just Stalking as well as how to get involved. Fill out an application for you can join one or more committees when you volunteer. Feel free to email us with any questions you may have. Thank you for your support!
Just Stalking's 2024 Launch Party
Why Focus on "Just Stalking": Turquoise Williams
Turquoise, M.A., Executive Director, gives some history of her personal story of the fifteen years she has been experiencing stalking by a professional-contact (acquaintance) here in Maryland.
She goes on to explain the barriers she faced throughout her ordeal, as well as her reasons for creating a nonprofit focused on supporting Maryland stalking victims. Explaining some of the resources being developed by Just Stalking, including specific Stalking Logs and Bystander Logs focused on Maryland Victims with Maryland Laws in mind, as well as the goal of creating further resources and trainings using a specific state-focused framework.
Confronting Stalking Myths and Stigma: Dr. Gabi Tayac
Gabi, a proud Marylander, gives her remarks at Just Stalking's 2024 Launch Party, during the 20th anniversary of National Stalking Awareness Month.
Speaking eloquently on the issue’s history, as well as the intersectional issues of gender, ethnicity, and age, not only around the country but right here in Maryland and Montgomery County, she also spoke about her own experiences fighting against stigma and stalking myths in her family and community. Powerful words from a wise woman with a diverse background and deep knowledge base.
Changing Stalking Laws: Del. Emily Shetty
Del. Shetty, representing MD District 18 in Montgomery Co. gives her Keynote Address revealing a wonderful surprise announcement pertaining to Stalking Victims!
She has tirelessly committed to working with Just Stalking: Maryland Resources and our Board Members to advocate for stalking victims in Maryland to ensure that victims who may not be DV, IPV, or SA survivors get equal protections under the law. Using her position to create bridges with victims and other agencies she has opened channels of communication for stalking victims throughout Maryland.
The Mission of "Just Stalking": Turquoise Williams
Just Stalking is committed to providing resources to all of Maryland, being attuned to different regions, and demographics of Maryland’s population.
Emphasis is placed on differentiating between stalkers’ typologies and motivations, not just providing a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to victims. Just Stalking is an evidenced based organization, focusing on known literature, while also highlighting gaps in research, specifically around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Goals include highlighting the two-week stalking threshold, addressing stalking myths, and improving legislation. We want to have equal rights as victims, to be accurately counted in studies, no matter our status or stalker’s profile. We are not a monolith, we need specific formal and informal resources and supports depending on our stalker’s profile.
Community Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@juststalkingmdresources.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Just Stalking: Maryland Resources, Inc. provides legal resources throughout the site, as well as links to relevant state and federal laws. We also provide tips for victims on safety and protection measures as well as warning signs. However, we are not a legal resource, we provide no legal advice, nor do we endorse any specific tip or measure. These are an accumulation of ideas found throughout the research, with some relevant updates. These are to help educate you, please seek appropriate professional advice or assistance as needed, or call 911 in an emergency.
Research has found stalking victims are more vulnerable to job loss due to stalking behaviors. At least 10% of stalking victims have reported changing or quitting their jobs or leaving (IWPR, 2017). Therefore, to support our community, we will post community relevant or advertised jobs on applicable pages. You can find them on your counties resource page, as well as the global pages for teleworkers and international visitors. We hope this helps our community, please feel free to contact us with relevant job listings! Thank you.
We do not, at this time have the infrastructure to provide individual threat or risk assessments nor can we provide individualized safety plans. It is highly recommended that each individual use the tools we provide as well as other community resources to create their own plans. We assume no responsibility for the assessments you conduct, nor plans you create. The tools we provide are to help guide community members as well as community partners to create assessments and plans for stalking victims, by considering biopsychosocial factors that we may or may not cover.
You may find acronyms or unfamiliar terms throughout this site. We will provide a list here for your convenience:
- DV: domestic (household member) or family member, including but not limited to, extended family, or roommate violence
- IPV: Intimate Partner, romantic, sexual, etc. do not have to live in the home but can, Violence.
- SA: State's Attorney (Prosecutor)
- Victim, aka Target or survivor: individual the stalker intended to stalk initially, this is a legal term outlined in Maryland state law, affording rights, and assigning responsibilities.
- PPO: Personal Protective Order (Peace and Protection) Order
- "Stalkerware" aka spyware: app, software program, or device that enables the stalker or proxy to secretly monitor and record activity about you, or those in your circle, through electronic device(s), i.e. phone, computer, etc.
- Stalking "proxy:" A person or entity sent (or used) on the stalker's behalf, to watch and/or gather information from the victim/target, sometimes to complete other intimidation tactics, such as make verbal threats or imply such with their presence.
- Your circle: family, friends, or other loved ones who may be in your support "network." we use this term to refer to anyone who may not be a support "professional."
We are working to address Maryland as a whole, from the cities to the rural outskirts. We want to address the needs of big businesses as well as small agencies, and everything in-between. This endeavor will take some time, as we are in our infancy. If you have a specific need or concern, do not hesitate to contact us, first responders, or your local DV center.
This is a peer-run site, anyone who is interested in contributing their experiences or advice is welcome to contact us. Additionally, if you know of, or have an agency, product, or service you would like to host on our site that is in Maryland, or nearby, please contact us! Thank you.
Just Stalking: MD Resources Launch Party!
You're Invited to our Launch Party!
Crab Fest 2024
Copyright © 2024 Just Stalking - All Rights Reserved.
Just Stalking: Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 93-4264447).
Disclaimer: We are NOT a legal, mental health, medical, victims' advocate provider(s). We are NOT certified educators, financial experts, security specialists, or self-defense experts. While some of our staff may have training, background, or experience in legal, mental health, medical, victims' advocacy, education, financial, security, or self-defense fields pertaining to Maryland, none of our staff is currently, licensed, or certified specialists in the aforementioned fields. WE ARE NOT PROVIDING ADVICE, IN SUCH FIELDS. OUR GOAL IS TO DIRECT VICTIMS TO APPLICABLE PROVIDERS, PROVIDE FEEDBACK BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCES, USING RELEVANT EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH & PRACTICES. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR ALL AFOREMENTIONED TIPS. IF YOU ARE IN DISTRESS PLEASE CALL 911.
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