Dealing with Stalking
There were 700,236 stalking and harassment offences recorded by the police in the year ending June 2023
Stalking: More common than we think
Stalking is a pervasive issue that affects countless women worldwide, leading to anxiety, fear, and sometimes physical harm. Understanding how to recognize, prevent, and respond to stalking is crucial for personal safety. This guide aims to provide women with practical strategies and resources to effectively handle stalking situations.
Recognizing Stalking Behavior
Stalking involves repeated, unwanted attention and contact that causes fear or concern for one’s safety. Common stalking behaviors include:
Following or spying on the victim
Sending unwanted gifts, letters, or emails
Damaging property
Threatening the victim or their loved ones
Repeatedly showing up at places where the victim frequents
Immediate Steps to Take
Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, take your feelings seriously.
Inform Trusted People: Let friends, family, and colleagues know about the situation. They can provide support and help monitor the situation.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed log of all stalking incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the stalker’s behavior. Save any physical evidence like letters, gifts, or screenshots of online harassment.
Inform the authorities: Although police may not do much if anything at all unless it’s too late, there are cases where officers may decide to investigate, question the perpetrator or take further action
Enhancing Personal Safety
Secure Your Environment: Make your home more secure by installing locks, alarms, and security cameras. Consider changing your daily routine and routes.
Stay Connected: Always inform someone you trust about your whereabouts. Utilize safety apps that can alert your contacts in case of an emergency.
Online Safety: Adjust privacy settings on social media accounts, avoid sharing personal information publicly, and be cautious about accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.
Seeking Legal Protection
Report to Authorities: Contact the police to file a report. Provide them with the documentation you’ve gathered.
Restraining Orders: Obtain a restraining or protection order against the stalker. This legally prohibits them from contacting or approaching you.
Legal Advice: Consult a lawyer to understand your rights and explore additional legal measures.
Practical Self-Defense
Self-Defense Training: Enroll in a self-defense class to learn techniques for protecting yourself in dangerous situations. Opt for self defence systems that are based on practical and simpler to execute self defence techniques like Krav Maga which can be learned faster than others.
Carry Safety Tools: Consider carrying tools like pepper spray, a personal alarm, or a whistle to deter an attacker and attract attention.
Moving Forward
Dealing with stalking is challenging, but by taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and regain a sense of control. Remember, you are not alone, and numerous resources and people are available to help you navigate this difficult experience. Stay vigilant, seek support, and prioritize your safety and well-being above all else.