Stalking
It can be difficult to know or recognise what stalking is. It can feel like harassment, however, it is usual that the perpetrator will have an obsession with the person they are targeting.
The charity Protection against Stalking defines stalking as “a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim”. This type of behaviour is unwanted, persistent, and almost always carried out (or orchestrated by) one individual towards another individual.Stalking can be perpetrated by someone you know or a stranger. It can take place online, in person, or a combination of both. Either way, remember that it is not your fault and that stalking is an offence.
The types of behaviour that might be considered stalking are, but are not limited to:
- Sending unwanted gifts (such as flowers or trinkets)
- Sending unwanted communications (such as letters, text messages, and emails)
- Damaging property
- Loitering and waiting around at locations they know the person will often visit
- Watching, spying and/or following someone
- Repeatedly turning up at the person's house.
- Identify Theft
- Extreme communication such as multiple calls and texts on a daily basis.
- Creating fake social media accounts to contact someone by
Although single incidents of the above may appear to be a small act, together they create a pattern of behaviour which can be very frightening and intimidating. If unwanted behaviour is happening more than once, it's stalking.
It can be helpful to think of it as the below:
Fixated
Obsessive
Unwanted
Repeated
If the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing you to experience fear, distress or anxiety then you should seek help and support.