To Charmed and her supportive husband...I just wanted to wish you the best. I applaud all the efforts you and your husband have undergone thus far. And I truly hope that in sha'Allah, "sl" will be able to help you get the result you need.

Back home, I instructed a full-contact self-defense course for women. It focussed on feminine empowerment - where we focussed on our strengths and learned how to use them on their weaknesses...And I agree with the idea that some folks have suggested re verbal defense. It is an important key to de-escalating a situation and staying safe.

Another important key, is to DENY PRIVACY. Only if you think it is safe for you to do, get his picture, get some video...post it on youtube. If there are people around, shout to attract attention. Even if he doesn't know it, calling attention to his behaviour is not part of his plan. And once something happens that is not part of his plan? The power shifts, and there's a very good chance that it may stop there.

However, if I may suggest one more thing - trust your instincts no matter what. My only intention here is only to offer some support and advice. And with the repeated number of incidents that you've described, PLEASE PUT YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY ABOVE YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR DOGS.

Unfortunately, attackers do try to create a relationship with someone so that they may keep testing how far they can cross your personal boundaries. And in sha'Allah, his intentions go no further than the verbal. But from what you've described, he's been testing how far he can go with you: knowing his 'wasta', knowing his strengths...

While waiting for the bureaucracy to put a stop to this, would driving yourself with your dogs to a different location for a walk be possible? Or, if you have social dogs, perhaps starting a forum for the other dog-lovers out there to maybe try and get a fenced-in off-leash area started? Or getting a dog-walking club started? Just throwing some ideas out there that you may have already possibly entertained...I know how hard it is for them to be home all day while we're at work.

Take care, stay safe and good luck.