What to do if you are stalked by a stalker?

Talk to the authorities about the stalker even if you don’t have proof yet, or are not sure if what you’re experiencing is legally considered stalking. Remember, call 911 if you feel like you’re in immediate danger. If you’re the victim of a stalker, you have enough on your plate as it is.

What is the definition of stalking?

Stalking affects millions of women and men in the United States. Stalking occurs when someone repeatedly harasses or threatens someone else, causing fear or safety concerns. Most often, stalking occurs by someone the victim knows or with whom they had an intimate relationship. Help prevent stalking by knowing the warning signs and how to get help.

Can stalking turn into something worse?

‘There is a very real danger that stalking can escalate into something much worse’: Elizabeth Day on the stalking phenomenon. Illustration: Marina Caruso/Ikon Images ‘There is a very real danger that stalking can escalate into something much worse’: Elizabeth Day on the stalking phenomenon.

Can stalking be treated as a mental health issue?

At Farnham’s clinic, stalking is for the first time being treated as a mental-health issue – something he believes will have a positive impact on re-offending rates. Stalkers can be referred to the clinic by the courts, police, probation service or NHS.

What is the difference between a stalker and a victim?

Not all stalkers are alike. One of the main differences between stalkers lies in the kind of relationship they have with their victim (even if there is or was no relationship to speak of). What motivates a person to start stalking another person continues to fascinate psychologists and psychiatrists all over the world.

What causes a stalker to become resentful?

Experts have noted that resentful stalkers’ issues often stem from early childhood and their relationship with a highly controlling father. Therapy aimed at correcting the resentful stalker’s behavior focuses on unresolved childhood issues and trauma, combined with antipsychotic medication in some cases.

When did stalking become a serious problem?

The first time stalking became the topic of a serious nationwide conversation was in 1989 when a young Hollywood actress named Rebecca Shaeffer was shot to death by a manic, mentally-ill fan who had stalked her for three years. The tragedy garnered a lot of publicity and drew national attention to the problem of stalking.