Finding True Sanctuary: What Church Leaders Can Do About Stalking

Church is a sacred space where many people gather regularly, often weekly, to connect with their faith and community. Unfortunately, it can also become a venue where stalking offenders prey on their victims. It’s crucial for churches to understand the risks associated with stalking and take proactive measures to protect their congregants. Let’s explore why churches should be concerned about stalking and how church leaders can respond effectively if they know someone in their community is being targeted.

Understanding Stalking

The National Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center defines stalking as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear and/or emotional distress. Stalking is disturbingly common. Research shows that nearly one in three women and one in six men have experienced stalking victimization at some point in their lives. Additionally, two-thirds of stalkers pursue their victims at least once per week, with many offenders using multiple methods to harass their targets.

Why Churches Are Vulnerable

Churches are unique in their accessibility. Unlike many workplaces or government buildings with secured entrances or checkpoints, churches often welcome anyone under the premise of attending services or seeking spiritual guidance. While this open-door policy is integral to their mission, it also creates vulnerabilities. Many congregants openly share their church affiliation on social media, discussing sermons or posting photos, which can inadvertently disclose their location. Security measures in churches are often limited, focusing on protecting the pastor or leadership rather than the entire congregation. Furthermore, church services typically occur at set times, making it easy for stalkers to predict when their target will be present.

What Church Leaders Can Do

If you know or suspect someone is being stalked at your church, it is essential to act with compassion and vigilance. Compassion should guide every interaction, ensuring the victim feels supported and believed. Begin by engaging with the victim in a nonjudgmental manner. Start the conversation by asking grounding questions like, “Are you okay?” or “Have you noticed someone following you?” These questions allow the victim to share their experiences without feeling interrogated or blamed. Avoid making assumptions or passing judgment, as many victims may already feel vulnerable or unsure about their situation.

Many individuals may not initially recognize stalking behaviors. Clarify the situation by determining if the person is experiencing unwanted following, threats, frequent appearances, or harassment on social media. Providing language to describe these experiences can help them identify the behavior as stalking. Partner with an advocate to create a comprehensive safety plan, and offer to accompany them to court to obtain a protection order, which can provide an additional layer of legal protection. Always respect their wishes and ask what they would like to happen if the offender appears at church.

Gathering information about the situation is equally important. Understand the dynamics by asking questions such as, “What is your relationship with the offender?” and “How long has this been happening?” These insights can guide your response. Utilizing resources like the SHARP tool (Stalking and Harassment Assessment & Risk Profile) can help assess the risk and develop an appropriate plan.

Developing a response plan is critical. When a stalking offender is identified, start by establishing a clear and effective alert system that notifies leadership and security teams immediately. Ensure that those responsible for the church’s safety have all the necessary details, including a photo of the offender, to aid in identification. Prioritize the victim’s safety by designating a secure location within the church where they can be kept away from the offender. This safe space should be pre-identified and accessible, offering a sense of protection and privacy.

If law enforcement is contacted, encourage the victim to remain on-site to provide a detailed statement about the incident. Having this documentation is critical for both immediate intervention and any subsequent legal proceedings. Ensure your team is thoroughly trained to handle these situations with sensitivity and professionalism. This training should include recognizing the signs of stalking, de-escalating potential confrontations, and understanding how to enforce safety protocols without further traumatizing the victim.

Finally, work with your leadership to develop comprehensive protocols tailored to your church’s needs. These protocols should outline steps for managing stalking incidents, from initial identification to long-term prevention. Establish clear guidelines for how to respond if the offender shows up at the church, including measures to prevent them from approaching the victim. By planning ahead, your church can act decisively and compassionately, ensuring that every member of your community feels safe and supported.