Stalkers

Stalkers are individuals who engage in stalking, a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention toward a specific person that would cause fear or distress in a reasonable observer. Although definitions vary by jurisdiction, stalking typically involves persistent following, monitoring, approaching, contacting, or obtaining information about the target over time.

Common behaviors include unwanted messages via phone, text, email, or social media; following or showing up at a target's home or workplace; monitoring a person’s activities; disseminating information about the target to others; or creating a sense of fear through threats or intimidation. Cyberstalking—using digital tools to track, harass, or threaten online—has become increasingly common.

Stalking can occur in any relationship, including intimate partnerships, acquaintances, colleagues, or strangers. It can cause anxiety, sleep disturbance, depression, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. In many cases, the risk of violence increases if the stalker loses access to the target or is blocked or confronted.

Legal and safety responses: Many jurisdictions criminalize stalking or cyberstalking, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Protective orders or restraining orders are commonly used to restrict contact. Law enforcement may investigate complaints, and victims are advised to document incidents and seek safety planning, counseling, and support services. In workplaces, authorities may implement security measures or no-contact policies.

Related terms include intimate-partner stalking, predatory stalking, and campus stalking, while media and popular culture sometimes depict stalkers in fiction. Professionals emphasize a victim-centered approach, focusing on incident reporting, risk assessment, and tailored safety planning.