Stalking is repetitive and unwanted coercive or controlling activity that often causes fear or anxiety in the victim. Stalking can last for years. In typical stalking cases, the stalker’s active and quiet periods alternate.
Due to its repetition and unpredictability, stalking also causes insecurity outside of the actual acts of stalking. The stalker often uses several different methods when attempting to control or make contact with the victim.
Stalking may include:
- unwanted contact
- surprising appearances in the victim’s life
- intimidation or threats
- following the victim physically or through technology
- destruction of property
- spreading false rumours about the victim
- physical violence
- control or attempts to harm the victim
- groundless notifications to authorities about the victim or their children
- economic violence
- acts sometimes falsely interpreted as positive by outsiders, such as gifts or demonstrations of love, which the target perceives as threatening in light of their situation and history
- using children, children’s visitation or custody as a means of stalking.
Stalkers often make use of technology, which can also be called digital stalking. A stalker often targets their partner or ex-partner, but stalking also occurs in other, non-romantic close relationships.
Stalking after a divorce is usually a continuation of violence or coercive control during the relationship. Stalking may also begin after a short period of dating, or it can occur in a situation where the stalker has a one-sided wish for a relationship with the victim. Stalking may also target another person close to you, such as your child, sibling or parent.
Contact Nollalinja for help with experiences and threats of stalking.