We see it in movies and hear about it on the news – someone being stalked by a stranger or someone they know. By definition, stalking is pattern of behavior directed at a certain person that causes them to feel fear. While you may have never been stalked before, it's much more common than you think. According to the Network of Victim Assistance, 6.6 million people are stalked each year in the U.S. alone. Both men and women can be victims of stalking, but women are almost 3 times more likely to be stalked than men.
In today's society, many people use the term "stalking" lightly. You've probably once said "I'm Facebook stalking my ex" or "Ew he (or she) is such as stalker." But, actual stalking that evokes fear in the victim is not something to be taken lightly.
In case you or someone close to you ever become a victim of stalking, read through these 5 truths to gain a better understanding of stalking and learn how to protect yourself.
1. Stalking is not uncommon – As previously stated, stalking is more common than you can imagine. Just think… 1 in 6 women will be stalked at some point in her lifetime. And, considering stalking is any behavior that raises fear in the victim, the number may actually be higher than that. For women, you may have experienced fear when a man followed you home from the bar, or when you received threatening Facebook messages or emails. According to the Violence Prevention and Action Center, people aged 18-24 experience the highest rate of stalking. About 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form of cyber-stalking, which can be emailing or instant messaging.
2. Most victims know their stalker – In most cases, the victim knows their stalker in some capacity, whether it be a co-worker, current or ex-partner or someone they met in passing. Approximately 3 in 4 victims know their stalker. The Network of Victim Assistance reports intimate partner stalkers are the most likely to physically approach the victim and use a weapon. They are also most likely to reoffend.
3. Women are more frequently stalked than men – One in 6 women experience stalking victimization at some point in their lifetime, in comparison to 1 in 19 men. During these instances, the victims feel very afraid and/or believe they or someone close to them will be harmed or killed.
4. Victims may not immediately recognize stalking behaviors – Victims notice when certain stalking behaviors are happening, but do actually not realize it's stalking. In today's digital world, there are tons of easy ways for stalkers to contact their victims and learn about what they're up to. Victims who receive a text message or email often brush them off because they can simply delete them and forget they were ever there. If this occurs, do not take it lightly. Ignoring the problem doesn't minimize your risk.
5. Stalking can cause psychological trauma for the victim – Even after a stalking episode is over, the daunting experience can cause psychological trauma for the victim. In the long term, victims often have trouble trusting people and developing intimate relationships. A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence shows stalking victims are more likely than the general population to experience anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression.
In too many cases, victims of stalking don’t take action until the problem becomes very serious. If you fear you or someone you know is being stalked, contact a NYC private investigator right away. A private detective can evaluate the threats and build a case to protect you from your stalker. With private investigating services, you'll get the peace of mind you need to go about living your life as usual.