Stalking is defined as a repeated pattern of unwanted behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear for their safety. It is a dangerous crime that often escalates; research shows that 76% of women murdered by an intimate partner were stalked before their death. Types of Stalkers
Stalking behaviors are diverse and can happen in person or online (cyberstalking):
: Usually a former intimate partner seeking reconciliation or revenge after a breakup. This is the most common and potentially violent type. Stalkers
: Motivated by a perceived injustice or humiliation. They aim to "even the score" and derive power from causing fear.
: Often suffering from a mental illness (like erotomania ), they believe they are destined to be with the victim and may misinterpret neutral signals as signs of love. Stalking is defined as a repeated pattern of
Psychologists generally classify stalkers into five primary categories based on their motivations:
: Someone with poor social skills who seeks a date or sexual relationship but does so through persistent, inappropriate harassment. This is the most common and potentially violent type
: The rarest and most dangerous type. They stalk as a prelude to a physical or sexual assault, often without the victim realizing they are being watched. Recognizing the Signs