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assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
What is stalking and what to do if you become a victim of it
17.12.2024
Stalking is the unwanted and obsessive pursuit of one person by another, which can cause the victim to feel fear, anxiety, or threat. Stalking can manifest as repeated attempts to establish contact (for example, calls, messages, emails), surveillance, appearing in places where the victim is, and even threatening their safety. Stalkers do not understand the word "no", so even if the victim has repeatedly refused communication, the harassment does not stop.
Often, stalkers turn out to be former romantic partners of their victim and begin to harass the person after a breakup. But it could also be an unrequitedly in love acquaintance or even a complete stranger who случайно saw their victim in a photo on Instagram and became obsessed.
Signs of stalking:
• Repeated unwanted contacts. Stalkers constantly message their victims on social media, call them, and give unsolicited gifts. If socially acceptable ways to get the victim's attention don't work, the stalker may start to act much more threateningly. For example, set fire to the door of the apartment, call the victim's relatives, leave dead animal corpses under the apartment door, try to take out microloans in the victim's name, post fake profiles of the victim on dating sites, etc. The stalker devotes all their free time to terrorizing the victim, so stalking greatly complicates the lives of those affected by it.
• Surveillance. The stalker appears in places where the victim frequently goes without their knowledge: near the house, workplace, favorite coffee shop, etc. If the stalker was able to enter the victim's home, for example, they were in a romantic relationship with the victim, they may even install surveillance cameras in the apartment of the person they are following. As a result, the person does not feel safe not only on the street but even in their own home alone.
• Manipulation or threats. The stalker may threaten physical or sexualized violence and even harm if the victim does not agree to a romantic relationship.
• Use of technology. This could be surveillance through special apps, social media, or hidden cameras.
What should I do if I become a victim of stalking?
1. Do not interact with the stalker. Try to avoid contact, do not answer calls or messages. Any reaction can provoke even more undesirable behavior. Stalkers often create a huge number of accounts on social networks in order to continue to terrorize and monitor their victims. It can be very exhausting, but it's important to ban all accounts of the stalker and ignore his attempts to start a conversation.
2. Collect evidence. Record all cases of harassment (date, time, place), take screenshots of the stalker's messages and comments on social networks. Don't forget that if a stalker is following you outside your home, he will surely be caught on surveillance cameras near your entrance, work, etc.
3. Let your family know. Tell your friends or family about unwanted harassment. It is very important that you are not left alone, and your family is aware of the situation in case you suddenly disappear.
4. Contact the police. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for stalking to end with the abduction or murder of the victim. Therefore, if you see that the stalker's attention has gone beyond reason and you are in real danger, contact the police with all the evidence collected.
5. Restrict access to personal information. Check your privacy settings on social networks, limit the circle of those who have access to your data, and do not post photos with geolocations.
6. Seek psychological help. Constant harassment has a very negative effect on mental health: you may experience depression, anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, insomnia, loss of strength, suicidal tendencies, etc. It is important not to ignore this condition and contact a psychologist or psychotherapist in time.
Stalking, and in particular cyberstalking, can be used by criminals, including for the purpose of sexual exploitation of not only adults, but also minors. Minors are more vulnerable, they lack life experience, so any criminal activity against them is much more dangerous and traumatic for them.
Stalking of minors can come from peers, adults, strangers, or even people from a close environment (for example, family acquaintances, teachers).
Signs that a child may be being stalked:
• A change in mood or behavior (fear, anxiety, isolation).
• Unwillingness to visit certain places (schools, sections).
• Frequent calls or messages from people unknown to you.
• Mentions that someone is "watching" or constantly trying to get in touch.
Features of stalking in relation to minors:
1. Cyberstalking. Children and teenagers often spend a lot of time online, where they can be harassed through social media, instant messengers, games, and email. Talk to your child about safe behavior not only online, but also in real life. Tell us that you can not disclose personal information on the Internet and not communicate with strangers.
Parents can also use special apps to monitor their child's online activities, but this must be done with respect for their personal boundaries. A verbal request to limit the time spent on the Internet may be enough.
2. Surveillance in real life. This may include the appearance of a stalker at school, near the house, in places where the child spends his free time. It is important that your family has a trusting relationship, so the child will immediately inform you about any suspicious contacts.
3. Manipulation. An adult stalker may use deception, pressure, or threats to gain control over a child.
4. Sexualized harassment. For example, a stalker may extort intimate photos, initiate correspondence on intimate topics, etc. Parents should take their child's words about stalkers seriously in real life and on the Internet. Collect evidence (screenshots, call recordings, witness messages, etc.) and take it to the police. If necessary, consult a therapist with your child.
If you have any questions about countering sexualized violence against minors (including using the Internet), please use the information posted on our website!
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