Anyone can be a victim of stalking. People who engage in stalking behaviour do not necessarily need to be related to the victim.
If you are a victim of stalking, you need to understand that you are not responsible for the behaviour of the stalker and that you should not be blamed in any way. If you are a victim of stalking, you should report it to the police so that there can be an investigation.
If you have recently left an abusive relationship, you may be at risk of being stalked and you need to make sure you are aware of what to do if this occurs.
You may be a victim of stalking if someone is:
- Repeatedly following or spying on you
- Repeatedly calling your home and/or work
- Repeatedly sending you unwanted or offensive emails, letters, text messages etc.
- Leaving unwanted gifts or items for you
- Vandalising or damaging your property
- Threatening you or someone close to you
- Aware of your conversations, activities or movements or they repeatedly show up at places you frequent (e.g., gym, dinner with friends, shopping, movies, etc) for no legitimate reason.
- Accessing your social media accounts
- Using spyware or tracking apps, GPS tracking devices, other smart devices, or cameras, to monitor or track your movements
Stalking is a crime. It needs to be reported to the police to prevent the offender from committing a more serious crime.