Chapter 9: Stalking

Gender-Based Violence

Effective responses to stalking vary depending on the dynamics involved. No one strategy is appropriate in all situations. That said, however, Miller (2012) offers some common strategies that may help (but stresses that stalking victims must assess their own situations to determine the best course of action):

  • Send a clear message and cut off contact with the stalker (e.g., Don’t contact me again for any reason!).

  • Keep a record of your message and the stalker’s response.

  • Do not communicate with the stalker again.

  • Document and save further responses from the stalker.

  • If contact must be made, restrict discussion to necessary practical matters and keep interactions short.

  • If the stalker is anonymous, the best course may be not to respond at all.

  • Protect yourself. Plan how to defend yourself, secure your home, avoid isolated areas, vary your routine if possible, use common sense.

  • Report to the police and seek counseling or support groups.

  • In many cases, a restraining order or order of protection is recommended but it is important to assess your individual circumstances to decide if this is the best course of action.

Assistance is available from Safe Horizon; 24-hour English/Spanish hotline 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or online at https://www.safehorizon.org/get-help/stalking/

 

References

Miller, L. (2012). Stalking: Patterns, motives and intervention strategies. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17, 495-506.

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