Stalking is defined as “a pattern of behaviour directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear” by the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC). Stalking is notnormal behaviour. They show a person who has a lack of boundaries, a shaky grasp on reality, and sociopathic tendencies.
It is like unwanted attention that is so extreme it causes you to fear for your safety. As for stalking, the victim’s perception of what is happening is huge. “Cause a reasonable person to feel fear” is the key part of the definition, along with “pattern of behaviour”.
Often an underreported crime, stalking can involve a range of threatening behaviours exhibited in person and through email, social media, and other technologies. Victims do not want to make a big deal about it, so they just ignore the behaviour, their own feelings and hope it stops. That is wrong!
Such harassment can have significant adverse effects on the victim’s academic or job performance as well as on his or her physical and mental health. Stalking can also escalate to violence. There are many cases where femicide victims reported stalking to the police before being killed.
Do not ever ignore the negative feelings you get when someone is giving you too much unwanted attention. The legal threshold for stalking usually entails both a “course of conduct” by the perpetrator and a “standard of fear” for the victim.
There are four warning signs of stalking behaviour.
Fixated
Obsessive
Unwanted
Repeated
If this happens, then it is time to take action because if your voice holds no power, then they would try to silence you. Stalking is not a joke, it is not romantic, it is not acceptable, and it is a crime!
Here are some practical suggestions about how to stay safe from stalking:
- Think of your safety first. Be aware of potential dangers.
- Keep a cell phone with you and check it with your spouse or a friend.
- Document each incident and form of contact.
- Filing an official police report is an important step in building a legal case against a stalker.
- Cultivate a support network. Talk to friends, family members, neighbours, and perhaps a mental health professional to make your case known.
If someone you know is worried about stalking, speak up, provide whatever support you can, and follow up over time.
Let’s work together to STOP STALKING by supporting and speaking up.
By Rutuja Gorakh Parwate
SCORA-KG General Assistant
AMSA- KYRGYZSTAN