By Dr. James Senior
Stalking is a pervasive and often misunderstood form of harassment that can have serious psychological and emotional consequences for its victims. Defined broadly, stalking involves repeated, unwanted attention and contact that causes fear or concern for one’s safety. The actions of a stalker can range from persistent messaging and phone calls to following someone, showing up at their home or workplace, and even more invasive behaviors like spying or hacking into personal accounts.
Stalking can occur in various contexts, including between strangers, acquaintances, or individuals who have had a previous relationship. James Senior emphasizes that while popular culture often portrays stalking as something only experienced by celebrities, it can happen to anyone, irrespective of their social status or personal circumstances. The common thread in all stalking cases is the stalker’s relentless pursuit and the victim’s resultant distress.
The motivations behind stalking behaviors are complex and varied. Some stalkers may be driven by a desire for control or power over the victim, while others might be seeking revenge or harboring obsessive romantic feelings. Mental health issues, such as delusional disorders or personality disorders, can also play a significant role in stalking behaviors (Mullen et al., 1999). Regardless of the underlying motives, the impact on victims is invariably harmful and disruptive.
James Senior notes that the advent of technology has significantly broadened the scope of stalking. Cyberstalking, which involves the use of the internet and other digital means to harass someone, has become increasingly common. This can include activities such as sending threatening emails, spreading false information online, or using social media to track a person’s whereabouts (Spitzberg & Hoobler, 2002). Cyberstalking can be particularly insidious because it allows the stalker to invade the victim’s life from a distance, often anonymously, making it harder for the victim to feel safe.
The psychological effects of stalking can be profound. Victims often experience heightened anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The fear and stress associated with being constantly watched or followed can lead to significant changes in daily routines and behaviors. For instance, victims might alter their routes to work, change their phone numbers, or even move to a new location in an effort to escape their stalker. James Senior highlights that the sense of loss of control and personal autonomy can be deeply damaging and long-lasting (Pathé & Mullen, 1997).
Legally, stalking is recognized as a crime in many jurisdictions, and there are various laws in place to protect victims. These laws typically allow for restraining orders or protective orders to be issued against the stalker, and in some cases, criminal charges may be brought. However, James Senior points out that legal measures can sometimes be difficult to enforce and may not always provide immediate relief for victims (Tjaden & Thoennes, 1998).
Support and resources are crucial for those affected by stalking. Organizations and hotlines exist to offer advice, support, and practical assistance to victims. It’s important for victims to document all instances of stalking behavior, keep evidence such as messages or recordings, and report incidents to law enforcement. Support networks, whether friends, family, or professional counselors, can also provide much-needed emotional support (Kamphuis & Emmelkamp, 2001).
In conclusion, stalking is a serious and multifaceted issue that requires attention and action from both individuals and society as a whole. Awareness and education are key in helping to identify and prevent stalking behaviors. James Senior emphasizes the importance of taking any form of stalking seriously, as the impacts on victims can be severe and enduring. By understanding the nature of stalking and providing appropriate support and resources, we can work towards a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
References
Kamphuis, J & Emmelkamp, P. 2001. Traumatic Distress Among Support-Seeking Female Victims of Stalking. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/42227846/Traumatic_Distress_Among_Support-Seeking20160206-7535-o3lb9x-libre.pdf?1454789549=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DTraumatic_Distress_Among_Support_Seeking.pdf&Expires=1718267992&Signature=Vu1v32YJJG~ciWLfvyiFcXpaJdfjG8DTOZq~lkNFYleL64pTnW70YKqFAUlaYECHDd~j2No8PotDqXIHVPQAtgxXvT9JdjM4gmhIGwNm5B5WT3LDiy8b3RSTzFVQEkY3wOcd2V2ofkDMQ7F1NDLjw8D1hAkOP266-P8UlHVGlGql8oarBgzANQUWKNCJ2e~ddu8GVRYRZVK8Z3YOIWTxtoy2r8VPKkxBWdHL6qA~SP5mJ2Ot-x8pDivcGiX-UDohAY~c1gHR-mFmEzoveCyru8clj4yzasiO4fvSCG4bfRFr43YWi3-Ubul4I-giSyL1FCC2SO~KPBQNauPXuB9c0g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
Mullen, P., Pathe, M & Purcell, R . 2009. Stalkers And Their Victims. Second Edition ed. https://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/samples/cam032/99044607.pdf
Pathe, M & Mullen, P. 1997. The Impact of Stalkers on Their Victims. The British Journal of Psychiatry doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.170.1.12. The impact of stalkers on their victims | The British Journal of Psychiatry | Cambridge Core
pitzberg, B., H & Hoobler, G. 2002. Cyberstalking and the technologies of interpersonal terrorism. New Media Society; 4; 71. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=7929c3b4226213eae79a2be075c4b8180635145b
Tjaden, P., Thoennes, N. Prevalence, Incidence, and Consequences of Violence against
Women: Findings from the National Violence against Women Survey. 1998. Department of Justice, Washington, DC. National Inst. of Justice.; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED434980.pdf