Stalking: Understand the Risks and Stay Safe
Stalking feels like a nightmare that creeps into everyday life. It can happen in person, on social media, or through a series of unwanted messages. The first thing to know is that stalking isn’t just a romantic pursuit gone wrong – it’s a serious pattern of unwanted attention that can endanger your safety and peace of mind.
Most people think of stalking as something you see on TV, but the truth is it’s a growing problem both offline and online. Whether it’s a stranger following you to work, a former partner constantly texting, or an anonymous account digging into your personal data, the tactics are similar: repeat, intimidate, and control.
Common Signs of Stalking
Spotting stalking early can stop it from escalating. Look out for these red flags:
- Repeated, unwanted contact – calls, texts, emails, or messages that ignore your request to stop.
- Showing up where you live or work without a valid reason.
- Following you on multiple social platforms and constantly liking or commenting on your posts.
- Sending gifts, letters, or items that make you uncomfortable.
- Attempting to gather personal information about you, like your address, family details, or work schedule.
If any of these sound familiar, trust your gut. Stalkers often test boundaries, and once you ignore them, they may intensify their behavior.
Steps to Protect Yourself
Taking action doesn’t mean you have to face the stalker alone. Here are practical steps you can follow right now:
- Document everything. Save messages, take screenshots, note dates and times of incidents. This record will be vital if you involve law enforcement.
- Set clear boundaries. Tell the person firmly that you want no further contact. If they ignore you, keep the response short and stop replying.
- Boost your privacy settings. Make social media accounts private, limit what personal info is visible, and block the stalker’s accounts.
- Secure your home. Change locks if you feel unsafe, install a simple alarm or camera, and let trusted friends or neighbors know what’s happening.
- Reach out for help. Contact local police, a victim support service, or a trusted adult. Many communities have dedicated hotlines for stalking victims.
Remember, you’re not overreacting. Stalking is a crime, and the law is on your side. Reporting the behavior early can prevent it from turning into a more dangerous situation.
Online stalking can feel especially invisible, but the same rules apply. Delete the offending account, report it to the platform, and change your passwords. If the stalker keeps creating new accounts, keep a record and share it with the platform’s support team.
Talking to friends or family about what’s happening can also lighten the emotional load. You don’t have to face fear alone – supportive people can help you stay safe and keep the stalker’s tactics from controlling your life.
In short, recognize the signs, act quickly, and use the resources around you. Stalking is a serious issue, but with the right steps you can protect yourself and regain control.
Kieran Lockhart, Mar, 27 2025
A businessman faced allegations of stalking his son-in-law, who transitioned from being a professional footballer to a police officer. Despite claims of harassment and threats, the court found insufficient evidence for conviction. The case highlights the complexities of proving stalking within family ties.
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