Protect Yourself from Stalkers

SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 10 percent of women and two
percent of men in the United States have been stalked with an average risk of
physical violence incidence of nearly 40% - Rosenfeld, B. "Violence Risk
Factors in Stalking and Obsessional Harassment."

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Stalkers with a prior intimate relationship are more likely to verbally
intimidate and physically harm their victims than strangers, with the
potential for violence four times higher than strangers. The strongest risk
factors for violence are: 1) threats and intimidation; 2) the existence of
prior intimate relationships; and 3) substance abuse. The emotional damage of
stalking and threats increases the prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, social
dysfunction, and severe depression among victims. The incidents of stalking
increase during stressful economic environments and is reflected in increases
in Cyber-stalking.

Employers can, and have been, held responsible for protecting employees
against stalkers and domestic violence, which can be costly in terms of
liability and loss of productivity. Companies should establish policies for
educating employees and procedures anonymous reporting to protect privacy and
safety of victims or potential victims. If someone believes they are being
stalked, they should take action, including

-- Obtain a private Post Office (P.O. Box) for all mail, including
magazine
subscriptions and the use the P.O. Box on your driver's license. Do
not file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service, notify
friends, utilities and others directly.
-- Set-up Google or other search engines alerts for your name to monitor
online traffic and remove your personal information availability
online
such as telephone number, address, etc.
-- Sign up for your state's address confidentiality program and obtain
an unpublished and unlisted phone number and avoid calling toll-free
800, 866, 888, 877 and 900 number services.
-- Don't list your name in an apartment building directory, use a
variation for visitors
-- Be very protective of your Social Security number and alert the three
credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. Put a fraud alert
on
your credit reports to avoid fraudulent access.
-- Make a police report and keep a log of every stalking incident. Save
all
communications for evidence. Do not edit or alter them in any way.
-- Consider getting professional counseling and/or seeking help from a
victims support group.
-- If you are a victim of Cyber-stalking, act promptly and firmly to
defuse
the situation. Take potential threats seriously.
-- If you are receiving unwanted contact, make clear to that person that
you would like him or her not to contact you again.

About Universal Protection Service
Founded in 1965, Universal Protection Service (UPS) combines an innovative mix
of tradition with cutting edge systems and technology to keep pace with the
ever-evolving needs of today's business environments. Headquartered in Santa
Ana, Calif., with offices located throughout Arizona, California, Colorado and
Washington, UPS employs hands-on, highly experienced management teams and
continuous training to deliver consistent, high quality security solutions.
UPS is a division of Universal Services of America, which also includes
Universal Building Maintenance, UPS Security Systems and Universal Fire/Life
Safety Services (PPO# 14417). Visit our website at:
http://www.universalpro.com.

SOURCE Universal Protection Service

Natasha Ganes of Universal Services of America, +1-714-619-9744,
nganes@universalpro.com, for Universal Protection Service