Journeys of Survival: Sandy M.
Sandy managed an apartment complex. Her life changed when an evicted tenant started stalking her. He would call her at home and at work; he followed her to the grocery store where he made threatening gestures at her; he damaged her car; and he threatened to kill her and her children, both verbally and by carving a death threat into furniture he left by the dumpster.
After contacting the police, Sandy went online to search for additional services. Luckily, she found our website and the pages on stalking at the time we were expanding our stalking advocacy services. She came to the courthouse, where we provide stalking advocacy services, filled with fear for her safety.
Our stalking advocate Linda Wedlake, who also directs the entire Protective Orders Advocacy Program, served as Sandy’s support system for two months, keeping in touch with Sandy once or twice per week. Linda helped Sandy create a safety plan for her family, educating her about what she was going through and how to stay safe. Linda also advocated for Sandy with the police, courts, and district attorney’s office, making sure Sandy received the best possible combination of services the entire time. (The stalker was eventually convicted of harassment and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and attend anger management classes.)
With Linda’s encouragement and after experiencing first hand the process of inter-agency collaboration, Sandy increased her trust in the justice system and community resources for stalking victims. At the end of services, she told Linda, “I could not have done it without you, I am ever so grateful for your support.” Being able to finally move on with her life in safety, Sandy also shared her feelings of relief. And, she’d be happy to know, her police department is now better prepared to serve future victims of stalking.
Help us make sure stalking victims like Sandy can live in safety. Please make a quick and secure online donation here. Thank you for your support!
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More stories:
Editorial: The Good, the Best, and the Downright Peculiar
Invitation: Giving Back
Report: Stalking Awareness Month
