Domestic Violence
Violence is anything that is done to you against your express will and that prevents you from living the life you want. This includes all behaviors that aim to suppress, dominate or control you.
We speak of domestic violence when someone crosses boundaries, e.g., commits violence, to another person in their social circle or to someone that they are emotionally close to. This includes all forms of physical, psychological, social, sexualized and economic violence. Domestic violence predominantly occurs in families, romantic relationships and at home. However, it can also affect current or former intimate partners, that do not live in the same household. The determining factor is not the shared living space, but the emotional connection. Incidents of domestic violence do not necessarily have to take place at home.
Stalking
Stalking behaviors can take many different forms.
We speak of stalking when a person repeatedly and intentionally harasses and follows another person and, therefore, gives them reason to be afraid. Stalking is when a person is observed against their will, insulted, called names, constantly called, constantly contacted through other channels or threatened. The effects of stalking include massive psychological stress and a severe impact on the affected person’s quality of life.
Stalking behavior may include:
- when a person constantly calls you, follows you (by foot, bicycle, car, etc.), threatens or insults you, calls you names, observes you, spreads lies about you or forces you to do things
- when a person sends you text messages, emails or (love) letters against your will
- when a person constantly leaves you voice messages on your answering machine
- when a person sends you gifts, flowers or other goods that they ordered in your name
- when a person constantly appears and waits for you near your home, your place of work or other places
- when a person publishes or uploads your private photos and data to the internet (cyberstalking)
- when a person also observes and harasses your friends and acquaintances.
More information available at www.leipzig-gegen-gewalt.de