On Feb. 25, WSMV.com reported Juanita Copeland, a Music Row executive was terrified of her ex-boyfriend's harassment. After dating Gerald Miller for a few months in 2012, Copeland broke off the relationship with him. It was then that he started harassing her which can be classified as stalking.
While she was filing a report at the police station, he even sent her a text stating, “Don't worry, it will be painless.”
Miller sent her letters, emails, texts and voice messages. He also slashed her car tires more than once, glued her windshield wipers to her window and put key scratches on her car. She finally caught him behind her house hiding in the bushes apparently taking pictures with his cell phone. She didn't feel safe in her own home.
Copeland bought a shotgun with a gun carry permit and got certified to use a police baton. Also, she installed cameras and secret defenses at her home for her own safety.
She made these changes after Miller was charged with vandalism and violating an order of protection, but it is alleged he was not charged with stalking.
H.R. 206: Stalkers Act of 2013
Stalking is often driven by mental health issues. Very few stalkers seek help voluntarily so it is up to the courts and parole boards to mandate mental health assessments, evaluations and/or treatments. Without mandated mental health treatment for the stalkers, victims such as Copeland go through life-changing emotional experiences to protect themselves from their stalkers.
Copeland says that although she feels empowered now, this man has forever changed her.
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