What is Stalking?
Stalking is any repeated and unwanted contact such as watching you, following you, or harassing you that makes you feel afraid or unsafe. Unlike how it is portrayed in media, this intimidating behavior is most often committed by intimate partners or former spouses and is a sign of an abusive relationship. Stalking may get worse or become violent over time, often escalating quickly.
Someone who is stalking you may threaten your safety by clearly saying they want to harm you. Some stalkers harass you with less obvious threatening behaviors but still unwanted contact. The use of technology, sometimes called “cyberstalking,” involves using the Internet, email, or other electronic communications to monitor someone. Stalking can be a terrifying experience for the victim and is against the law!
Recognizing the Signs:
While some behaviors may seem harmless at first, stalking often escalates over time. If someone’s actions make you feel unsafe or constantly watched, trust your instincts—stalking is a serious crime, and help is available.
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In-Person Stalking
- Following you around or spying on you
- Calling you often and repeatedly
- Sending you unwanted emails or letters
- Showing up uninvited at your house, school, or work
- Leaving you unwanted gifts
- Damaging your home, car, or other property
- Utilizing a third person to monitor your movements or actions
Cyberstalking & Digital Harassment
- Sending unwanted, frightening, or obscene emails, text messages, or direct messages through social media
- Harassing or threatening you on social media platforms
- Tracking your computer and internet use
- Using technology such as GPS to track where you are
Protecting Yourself from a Stalker
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, use a Stalking Log like the one below to help document related incidents and behaviors. The more details that you are able to record, the better. Include information such as date, time, location, behavior, specific threats made or words used, etc.
Stalking Incident and Behavior Log (SPARC)
This log can assist you in applying for Personal Protection Order or seeking law enforcement intervention. It can also be helpful to change up your daily routines or routes when possible as stalkers rely on their victim’s predictability to target them. To learn more about stalking, visit the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, Resource Center (SPARC)