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Dec 13, 2023 · If another person is following or harassing you persistently, you could be dealing with a stalker. Stalking involves persistent and unwanted attention that creates fear or discomfort in another...
- Traci Pedersen
Oct 5, 2021 · What is a stalker? Stalking is defined as repeated patterns of unwanted intrusions into a person's life that causes worry about safety or physical or psychological harm.
Why Do People Stalk and How Can We Stop It? Stalking is a terrifying and often misunderstood crime, capable of leaving victims feeling isolated, vulnerable, and in constant fear. Understanding the psychology behind stalking can help us not only support victims but also work toward prevention.
- Overview
- What is stalking?
- Types of stalking
- The signs of stalking
- Impact of stalking
- Who does stalking affect?
- Is stalking a crime?
- What to do about stalking
- Summary
Stalking is the ongoing pursuit of a specific person without their consent. Examples of stalking behavior include following someone, waiting outside their house, and spying on their activities.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, this behavior is stalking if it causes emotional distress or would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.
Stalking can take place virtually or in person. It is a type of abuse and can be part of a broader pattern of intimate partner violence, or domestic abuse.
Read on to learn more about the types of stalking, signs of stalking, and what to do if a person is experiencing stalking.
Stalking is when a perpetrator pursues or watches someone without their consent.
Even if a person is not aware of the stalking, or they have not explicitly told the perpetrator to stop, the behavior is still stalking. This is because it is still taking place without consent, which makes it abusive.
Some examples of stalking behavior include:
•following a person as they go about their daily tasks
•waiting for them outside their house
•visiting places they often go to spy on them
There are different ways to categorize stalking. One way is to classify it by motivation.
According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, simple obsessional stalking is the most common form of stalking. It is when a person stalks an ex-partner or ex-employer. Often, this is because they feel wronged or rejected.
Some other motivations for stalking include:
•Love obsessional: In this type of stalking, the perpetrator is a stranger or casual acquaintance and starts using stalking behavior to get someone to notice them.
•Erotomania: This mental health condition causes a person to incorrectly believe someone is in love with them. They may be convinced the relationship is “meant to be,” which leads to stalking.
•False victimization: This is a rare cause of stalking in which a person believes someone has been targeting them, but they are actually the perpetrator doing the stalking.
Some signs a person may be experiencing stalking include:
•repeatedly noticing a person hanging around outside the home or workplace
•seeing them take undue interest in what is going on inside, such as by peering through windows or taking photos
•being followed or watched by someone in their car
•noticing the person or their car in other places, such as en route to work or at the grocery store
•receiving mail that has already been opened
In terms of the effects, the nonprofit Action Against Stalking states stalking can:
•make a person feel on edge or anxious
•cause low mood or depression
•cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
•affect a person’s ability to concentrate
•make them late for work or school
Stalking disproportionately affects women. A 2022 study found that most stalking perpetrators are men, while most who report stalking are women.
Researchers also found that one-third of people who stalk eventually assault their victim. Among women whose ex-partner is stalking them, this increases to half.
Stalking is a federal crime when a person crosses state lines, enters or leaves Native American land, or stalks on federal property.
Individual states have their own laws about stalking that takes place within the state. The exact definition of stalking can vary, though. Some states may require that:
•the perpetrator has specific motivations or intent
•the person experiencing stalking has a certain level of emotional distress
•the person experiencing stalking is in physical danger
People may benefit from speaking with a victim support organization or a lawyer to understand local legislation.
The priority for people experiencing stalking is their safety.
If a person is currently safe, they can then begin taking steps to increase security, such as:
•stopping all contact with the perpetrator
•always locking doors, windows, and cars
•installing deadbolts, home alarms, or motion sensor security cameras
•telling trusted friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers about the stalking
Stalking is when a person monitors or follows another person without their consent. It can be a part of abusive relationships. It affects more women than men.
Some people may not take stalking seriously due to the misconception that these behaviors can be romantic or are merely annoying. However, it is not uncommon for stalking to escalate to violence.
May 15, 2024 · Recognizing stalking behaviors and reporting them to the appropriate authorities is usually the first step. When you’re ready to address the emotional effects of having been the target of these behaviors, meeting with a licensed therapist online or in person can be helpful.
Sep 21, 2024 · Stalking is a pattern of unwanted behaviours designed to cause fear or distress and is a crime. But apart from potential physical harms, stalking can also take a toll on someone's mental health. Victims can feel constantly on edge and describe a feeling of "looming vulnerability", Dr Purcell says.
People also ask
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Jun 22, 2013 · Stalking is defined as repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. In 2006,...
