Classes and resources for perpetrators and victims of intimate partner stalking in California

Stalking will be prosecuted as a crime of domestic violence in California when the accused follows or harasses and threatens his or her intimate partner with the intent of placing that partner in fear. Intimate partners are heterosexual and homosexual partners that are married, divorced, dating, formerly dating, living together or who have children together. Although stalking isn't always a domestic abuse crime, it will be treated as such if committed against one's intimate partner and is punishable as a misdemeanor by up to one year in the county jail and/or a maximum $1,000 fine or as a felony by up to one year in the state prison. While that is the maximum prison/jail sentence and fine that can accompany a first time stalking conviction (a person with aggravating factors and/or prior convictions faces more severe punishment), it is not a complete list of the penalties that ultimately face the offender.

To help rehabilitate an individual who has been accused or convicted of stalking his or her intimate partner, California offers many different types of classes and other resources that are readily available to anyone seeking help. The state also has numerous resources that are available to victims of intimate partner stalking as well as other types of intimate partner abuse as well.

The purpose of programs that target the offender is to help the individual learn to stop his or her stalking, and possibly other abusive behaviors. Intensive counseling, batterer's classes, hotlines and websites are all available to help the offender who desires to change his or her ways. These services are available to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity or financial status and are provided in numerous languages. The compassionate attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm are dedicated to helping their clients get the help they need to steer-clear of further legal troubles. They can recommend classes and additional resources to people who need help controlling their anger, managing their stress or dealing with other personal issues.

Classes and resources are also available to those who are victims of stalking by their intimate partners. Education is the key not only to ensuring one's safety but also to gaining awareness about how to effectively deal with an intimate partner's stalking behavior. The trusted attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm can help a victim of D.V. stalking apply for a protective order and can also refer that individual to additional services that meet that individual's needs. Great resources can also be accessed online and include the Stalking Resource Center found at www.NCVC.org or at (800) FYI-CALL and The Stalking Victim's Sanctuary found at www.StalkingVictims.com.

In addition to stalking resources, there are general intimate partner violence websites that both partners who are affected by domestic violence may find helpful. SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone), found at www.Safe4All.org lists numerous programs offered throughout California and is a tremendous resource. Another great resource is the National Domestic Violence Hotline found online at www.NDVH.org or at 1-800-799-SAFE.

The bottom line is that help is available to those who seek it. The caring criminal defense lawyers at the Kavinoky Law Firm have helped many individuals and couples locate the types of services that best meet their needs. For more information about stalking or about intimate partner abuse in general, click here for a free consultation.