Stalking is a form of criminal harassment that entails persistent pattern of unwanted behaviour by someone that makes another feel fearful for their safety.

It includes behaviours like;
1. Following or watching someone.

2. Repeated calling.

3. Vandalizing someone’s property.

4. Sending unwanted “gifts” and

5. Threatening someone’s family/roommates.

It can also include cyberstalking, like tracking someone’s location through GPS, sending harassing messages through social media or email, using spyware to track website visits or encouraging others to harass the person.

Like other forms of sexual violence, stalking is a gendered phenomenon.

At the same time, it can happen to or by anyone of any gender, and all victims of stalkers deserve support.

TYPES OF STALKING

Many classification systems of stalking exist.

Some of them;

SIMPLE OBSESSIONAL

“Simple obsessional” stalkers typically have a previous intimate relationship with the person they are stalking and can be motivated by revenge or the idea of coercing the victim back into a relationship.

EROROMANTIC

“Erotomanic” stalkers believe their victim loves them, usually stalking someone of a higher status than them like a celebrity or supervisor.

LOVE OBSESSIONAL
“Love obsessional” stalkers don’t have a previous intimate relationship with the person they are stalking but believe the person they are stalking is meant to be with them.

IMPACTS OF BEING STALKED

Being stalked can have serious adverse impacts on someone’s physical, mental and emotional health, including:

1. Sense of shame.

2. Depression.

3. Guilt.

4. Anxiety.

5. Flashbacks.

6. Constant fear.

7. Difficulty sleeping.

8. Post-traumatic stress disorder.

9. Eating disorders.

HOW CAN WE STOP STALKING BEFORE IT STARTS?

1. It is important for everyone to work together to end stalking.

2. Empowering everyone to understand, recognize, and address stalking.

3. Mobilizing men and boys as allies in prevention efforts.

4. Creating and supporting safe environments within relationships, schools, and communities through programs and policies that reduce risk and promote healthy relationships.

#YSMANG