Violence impacts us all. We encounter it through random attacks and targeted acts of violence. Some fundamental precautions can be applied to our daily business lives to make ourselves safer from random acts of violence. However, targeted violence can become so pervasive that we must exercise additional precautions, which may include the retention of threat assessment investigators and close protection specialists. The following guidelines may help determine if you are potentially a victim of targeted violence, stalking or harassment:
- Repeated, unwanted approaches, or near approaches by the suspected individual
- Written communications (including e-mails and written letters) which include threats of violence whether direct or veiled
- Harassing telephone calls
- Harassment (sexual or otherwise) that becomes more invasive including vandalism to personal property or attacks directed at family members and animals
- Threats of violence
- Pursuit, proximity or surveillance behaviors including drive by’s, lying in wait and surveillance
- Suspects contact with your associates and/or family in an effort to obtain information about you
This list is provided only as an informal tool to determining the potential for violence; it should not be utilized as a guide to determining whether professional assistance is necessary. Always consult a professional to assess the potential for violent behavior.
