Stalking is more common than most people think. 1 in 6 women, and 1 in 7 men, experiences stalking during their lifetime. 56% of female victims and 41% of male victims experience stalking incidents before 25 years old.
Being a victim of stalking can seriously impact mental health. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression often manifest in victims. Nearly 70% of victims experience threats of physical harm from their stalker.
Signs Of Stalking
Stalkers often make unwanted phone calls, voicemails, text messages, instant message, emails, and social media messages to impose themselves upon their victims. Victims may experience unsolicited appearances from the stalker either at the victim’s, school, work, or even home. Many stalkers track or follow a victim to learn their common whereabouts and enable stalkers to appear more frequently in the victims everyday life.
Sometimes stalkers will leave things for a victim to find, such as a strange or potentially threatening item or note. Stalkers also sneak into the victim’s property, such as their home or car, leaving the victim feeling scared and increasing the likelihood of a mental health issue developing such as depression or PTSD. Another common stalker scare tactic is leaving an obvious sign that the stalker has violated the victim’s privacy.
Tips For Victims
One of the most important things for a victim to do is trust in their instincts. Personal safety and well-being are more important than downplaying or ignoring a potentially harmful situation to feel a false sense of safety. If you feel as though you may be in danger, call the police. When speaking with an operator, explain why the stalker’s actions are causing you fear. If stalking continues over a period of time, save any possible evidence such as emails, texts, social media posts, or photos to provide to the police.
Victims should discuss safety planning with family, friends, and coworkers to ensure they’re protected throughout daily life. It’s also a good idea to review privacy settings for phone and social media accounts.
If you or someone you know is a victim of stalking, reach out for help. If someone is in imminent danger or is fearful of a threat, please call 911 immediately. Additionally, victims of stalking may want to reach out to Victim Connect Resource Center: 1(855)484-2846; National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1(800)799-7233 | 1(800)787-3224 (TTY); or National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1(800)656-4673.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
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