Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted, and intrusive behavior aimed at controlling or intimidating another person. It can involve a range of actions, from following the victim in person or online to sending excessive texts, emails, or gifts. Stalking is often driven by a desire for power or control and can occur between people who have a prior relationship, such as ex-partners, or between strangers. The behavior becomes problematic when the victim feels unsafe, threatened, or harassed, leading to emotional, psychological, and even physical harm.
There are several warning signs that someone may be stalking another person. These can include persistent attempts to contact or communicate with the victim, such as repeated phone calls, texts, or social media messages despite clear requests to stop. Stalkers may also show up uninvited at the victim’s home, workplace, or social gatherings, or even engage in surveillance, such as following the person in public or installing tracking devices. Other signs of stalking may include sending unwanted gifts, spreading rumors, or threatening the victim or their loved ones. The victim might also feel the stalker is constantly watching them, whether through social media or physical presence.
If you believe you are being stalked, it is important to seek help immediately. Start by documenting all incidents of stalking, including dates, times, and descriptions of what happened, as this can serve as evidence if legal action is necessary. You should also avoid contact with the stalker and, if possible, change your contact information and online privacy settings. If you feel your safety is at risk, consider contacting tribal law enforcement, who can guide you through the process of obtaining a restraining order.
Additionally, there are many support services, including hotlines and counseling, that can help victims of stalking cope with the emotional and psychological impact. The Shawnee Tribes Behavioral Health and Domestic Violence Department provides therapy and case management to those who have been stalked. It’s crucial to take stalking seriously and take steps to protect yourself, as this behavior can escalate into more severe forms of violence.
Check out the Behavioral & Mental Health Department for more information.
By A. Gwynn Henderson and David Pollack On September 7, 1816, readers skimming the Niles’ Weekly Register might have noticed a story about two groups of Shawnee men visiting central Kentucky. It appears on a page with a variety of national and international news: an accounting of how many immigrants had arrived in America, details […]
On November 15, Shawnee Tribe’s Environmental Manager, Cindy Riley, participated in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s recycling event to explore new ways of collecting and processing materials—from electronics and batteries to tires, and many more items—and to bring those best practices back to our own tribal community. Key takeaways: Next steps: Together, we can grow our […]
Button cell batteries are the small, flat, round batteries found in watches, hearing aids, key fobs, calculators, toys, and medical devices. They may be tiny, but they contain valuable materials and can create safety hazards if thrown in the trash. Because they are so small, button batteries are often tossed with household waste. However, lithium […]
On October 22, 2025, the Shawnee Tribe was notified that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would pause operations during the month of November due to a protracted government shutdown. In response, the Shawnee Tribe developed the Temporary Emergency Food Benefit Assistance Program, which was established by October 29, 2025, to support Shawnee Tribe families […]
Meet Magdalene “Mag” Walls, a proud Shawnee citizen born on February 25, 1921, in Ramona, Oklahoma. Her early years were spent in Ramona before her family moved to White Oak, where Mag attended grade school and met her first husband. Together, they had two wonderful children, Deloris and Jim. In 1942, Mag embarked on a […]
On Monday December 8, the new Chief Ron Sparkman Shawnee Tribe Council Chambers, located at 29 S. Main Street, held its naming, dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The newly designed interiors included the main tribal chambers, private tribal chambers, kitchen and prep space, restrooms, and a private meeting space all adorned with modern flooring, walls, lighting, […]
Shawnee language learners of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Shawnee Language Immersion Program for the 2026 Language Fair, Dinner and Stomp Dance on Saturday, July 25 in Miami, OK. Citizens of all three Shawnee nations are eligible to participate. Over $6,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top three winners […]
Did you know that the average US Citizen throws away an average of 70 lbs. of clothing annually? The fashion industry is a major contributor to global pollution, generating about 10% of annual CO₂ emissions. Reusing, donating, or recycling clothing helps reduce its environmental impact. Clean Out Your Closet—Responsibly Finished cleaning out your closet and […]