Stalking
Stalking makes victims feel constantly controlled and watched by someone, often a partner or ex-partner or someone with an interest in them. The stalker may demand always to know the victim's whereabouts, monitoring their movements closely.
Stalking involves persistent and unwanted attention, control, intimidation, contact or approaches that continue despite the victim's requests to stop. A stalker can send dozens, even hundreds, of messages daily to the victim.
Persecution can permeate all aspects of a person's life. Children or the victim's loved ones can also become targets of the stalker. Stalking can lead to unnecessary child protection reports, criminal reports and repeated legal actions.
Various methods of stalking
The methods used can vary, but they always make the victim uncomfortable or even scared. Stalking can cause significant psychological and emotional distress and pose physical risks to the victim's safety. It is essential to recognise the signs of stalking, document incidents, seek legal protection, and access support services. In Finland, e.g., Tukikeskus Varjo (in Finnish).
Physical stalking includes following, spying, and observing the victim. Invasive actions can also occur, such as installing surveillance or listening devices in the victim's belongings (e.g. bag, clothing, sports equipment), car or home or using cameras to invade their privacy.
The stalker can make their stalking known to the victim by unexpectedly appearing in places they should not be aware of or by constantly approaching the victim.
These are common aspects of stalking. The stalker may make overwhelming declarations of love, plead to reconcile, send excessive messages, or even show up unexpectedly at the victim's workplace. They may drop hints about being nearby, creating a sense of unease and fear for the victim's safety.
Digital stalking or violence can involve hacking into a partner's email, phone, computer, online banking service, or social media. The perpetrator might create a social media profile and impersonate the victim. Modern technology can help the perpetrator follow their victim with GPS very closely.
It is good to consider that the perpetrator might make a missing person ad on social media, even though the person has serious reasons to be hiding. Usually, fear of violence is such a reason. Then, people with good intentions share the post and help the perpetrator. Usually, if the post doesn't suggest contacting the police, it shouldn't be forwarded.
In Italy, the use of electronic communication is an aggravating circumstance for stalking; in France, it is an aggravating circumstance for sexual harassment. In Austria, cyberstalking is specifically mentioned as a form of stalking in the criminal code.
Common effects of stalking
Stalking is a serious and distressing form of harassment that can profoundly affect its victims.
Proving stalking can be challenging, as only the victim may understand the true intent behind the actions. The stalking can persist for years, and the perpetrator may enlist others to assist them. The effects of stalking can be profound and long-lasting for the victims.
Stalking can lead to intense emotional distress, including fear, anxiety, depression, panic and constant worry. Victims may experience a loss of control and a sense of being constantly on edge.
Stalking can significantly impact the victim's mental well-being. They may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks. Victims may also experience low self-esteem, shame, and a loss of trust in others.
The stress and anxiety caused by stalking can manifest in physical symptoms, such as insomnia, headaches, digestive problems, and compromised immune system function.
Stalking often leads to social isolation as victims may withdraw from friends, family, and social activities out of fear and the need to protect themselves. They may also feel reluctant to disclose their situation due to shame or concerns about being believed.
Stalking can disrupt various aspects of a victim's life, including work, education, and personal relationships. It may lead to difficulties in concentration, decreased productivity, and strained relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners.
Victims of stalking may face financial consequences as they may have to relocate, change phone numbers, or take other measures to ensure their safety. Legal fees and therapy expenses can also add financial burden.
