Stalking is a pattern of harassing and controlling behavior that is devastating to the victim’s sense of self, safety, and peace. Although it’s often depicted as normal or innocuous in popular culture, stalking is very dangerous.

 

Stalking includes:

• Following behavior

• Constantly calling or checking in on a victim’s location and activities

• Refusing to leave when asked

• Leaving notes, “gifts,” or threats at a victim’s home, place of work, car, etc.

• Numerous and unwanted calls, text messages, or emails

• Making unwanted visits

• Controlling with whom a victim talks, hangs out, or interacts

 

Stalking is common within a violent relationship or after a violent relationship has ended and can also occur outside of violent relationships.

 

Stalking Behaviors & Context

Some stalking behaviors are obviously scary and threatening, but others don’t always appear that way on the surface. For instance, many times a victim is receiving gifts or messages from their current or former partner that may seem romantic to someone on the outside. However, the victim in that relationship has access to context that those on the outside don’t.

Endless “I love you” messages might be sending the victim a message that their abuser owns them, and they will never have a moment of peace from this person. Gifts or notes left on their car might send the message that their abuser knows where they are and can reach them whenever they want to, making them feel unsafe no matter where they are or who they are with.

 

Victim Blaming

Many people ask why a victim stays in a violent relationship. When we place blame with the victim, we overlook the fundamental harm being done. A victim of violence is being terrorized and controlled by their partner. Barriers to separation are endless and could include things such as child custody, finances, housing, other economic resources, family or societal pressure, shame, legal barriers, and—most importantly—safety.

 

Stalking & Lethality

There is a significant connection between stalking and intimate partner homicide. Research has found that 85% of attempted and 76% of completed intimate partner femicides included stalking in the year prior. The most dangerous time in a violent relationship—the time when a homicide is most likely to occur—is when a person leaves a violent relationship.

 

A person still in a violent relationship may not be staying, but instead is planning how to leave that relationship safely. This is especially true when stalking is present. Learn more facts about stalking and intimate partner violence.

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Stalking Is a Crime
Stalking is a crime at the federal level, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, in all U.S. territories, on all tribal lands, and in the military justice system. It also violates campus codes under the Clery Act and Title IX. It might be defined as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on your jurisdiction and situation, but stalking is a crime across the board.