Am I Setting Myself Up For Major Set-back By Honoring A Perceived Duty To A "higher Purpose"?

[HOME ALONE]

OPINION POLL: I deal with (surprise! "HOME ALONE") major social avoidance as a result of horrific experiences with stalking involving breached restraining orders and 2 convicted sex-offenders. I used to be gregarious (and frequently too talkative) which suited my career quite nicely. This weekend I had no choice to butonly mill about in extrem public but I had no recourse as I run a chapter of an organization representing 850 members and our Prime Minister was speaking in my city recently. As a result of my appearance at this protest I was plunged into a 2 page spread in our local paper as well as it's sister papers in other cities PLUS I am now being courted by a well known journalist for a huge publication to tell my story as it relates to the issue at hand. I have been hiding from my stalker for years and had overcome my fear out of duty to my members and a higher purpose. THE VERY NEXT DAY i came face-to-face with the worst one of them all. My nightmares, hyper-vigilance and flashback are coming at me rapid-fire. This deviant sicko even stalked my Mom so this particular demon's psychological mind ***me-over was near fatal. i went into shock for 3 months.

Do I claim my right's AND my life at the same rime?

 

[EveHarrington]

Hello! Can you be a bit more specific as to what you mean by rights and life?

Have you been in trauma therapy?

 

[HOME ALONE]

Hi Eve,
Yes I have had extensive therapy.
As a result of the path my life has taken, I have found myself in the roles of patient/patient advocate/activist regarding a certain topic of international discussion at this time in history. My story will impact the infrastructure now being built around this topic and will provide an opportunity to advance our cause. This issue has as much to do with saving my life as therapy has but there are so many freaks out there and I seem to attract them like fly-paper... I am in correspondence with the wiriter as we speak to get clarification on his agenda. Hidden agendas freak me out too

 

[EveHarrington]

Thanks for clarifying!

I'm not sure if I have any advice for you though as I'm not sure what the best course of action might be. Will think about it and pop in later. I hope others can give constructive feedback.

 

[scout86]

Do I claim my right's AND my life at the same rime?

That's an easy idea to like. :)

I see two separate challenges. 1) the stalker(s) 2) Your reactions to the stalker(s)

I think you probably have it within yourself to deal with your own reactions. And, I think you'll come through the experience stronger and better for having had it.

Depending on the real nature of the stalker, that is. I just had an interesting conversation with my T about Probable vs Possible. (Long story, not relevant to this). His point was, in dealing with stuff, reacting/over-reacting/under-reacting we should consider those things that are possible, but ESPECIALLY how probable they are. Because they aren't all equally probable.

So, how dangerous IS this person (or persons) in the real world? Not how dangerous do they FEEL to you, but how dangerous are they actually? What do you know them to be capable of? What do you think you can expect from them?

 

[HOME ALONE]

Thanks for clarifying!

I'm not sure if I have any advice for you though as I'm not sure what th...

It's a quandary! Ty :)

 

[The Albatross]

I'm a firm believer in learning about the element of risk inasmuch as possible. Is there an advocacy group of some sort that could be available to coach you on media attention, the good, not so good and pitfalls? I was in a volunteer advocacy position a long time ago, my role was to protect victims from media interactions unless/until they were emotionally stable. So that's not really the same thing.

Hopefully you will find a non profit organization in the area of the topic who may be willing to discuss it with you either at a meeting or by phone.... be informed and reduce your risk... if you know your risks, weigh it against your stability, and if it's still a go... well then, by all means go/do it.

No one can really predict for you what will/would happen if you keep to your course... you're the best judge of that, right?

 

[blackemerald1]

You have a right to both!

BUT Coming face to face with a perpetrator is going to scare you & cause a resurgence of your symptoms. But this is what he wants.

Obviously you don't want this. I don't think anyone would!

But, you must not put yourself at risk & manage the symptoms as best you can.

I know you are weighing up fear vs passion for your cause.

If he found you by publicity, will he know where you live etc?

I cannot calculate the risks for you.

Just slow down, take all necessary precautions & evaluate all the risks vs gains.

Be careful. But, in an ideal situation you should be able to go as you please. But these bastard's never move on in my experience and we don't live in an ideal world.

 

[HOME ALONE]

That's an easy idea to like. :)

I see two separate challenges. 1) the stalker(s) 2) Your reactions to...

He is a real threat. He violated his order 4x and victim's services put me into hiding 5 yrs ago. He is a convicted sex-offender

 

[scout86]

Then I guess my next question would be whether publicly outing him would put you at more risk or less. Because it could be either.

 

[Sideways]

Would it make it easier to proceed with this cause if you had a safety plan in place?

For example, if you were to brainstorm what these sickos could realistically do if you go public, and know in advance how you're going to reapond.

Eg. If they show up at my door or mum's door, we both have the number for the local police station handy.
If they show up and confront me while I'm out in public, I'm going to ...

It could end up being a disaster. But it could also end up being really really empowering.

For some monsters, if they know you aren't afraid of them any more, they will leave you alone. Although I wouldn't hang my hat on that idea...I'd plan ahead...

 

[The Albatross]

If that's the case, I'd consider arbitrating for an anonymous/confidential interview. (?)