It can be hard to know or realise when a person is being stalked. The person may put it down to other factors, and not realise what is happening.
If you have a friend who has let you know any of the below, it might be that they are being stalked.
If you have a friend who has let you know any of the below, it might be that they are being stalked.
- Receiving lots of unwanted communication (emails, letters, gifts, telephone calls, messages) on a regular basis (at least two or more times)
- Unwanted communication is extreme and happening at multiple times
- Noticing someone is always around their work, home, or locations they frequent
- Being contacted by fake social media accounts on a regular basis
Behaviours such as the examples about should also follow the pattern of being: Fixated; Obsessive; Unwanted and Repeated
If the information the person is telling you fits into the above patterns, it's likely to be stalking.
It can be helpful to:
- Let them know you are concerned.
- Hear what they have to say, and let them know you believe them, and take them seriously.
- Let them know that this is not their fault and that they can get help and support.
- Encourage them to contact us, or to look at the resources page which has information about external support.
It may take them some time before they feel able to take the next step or to acknowledge they are being stalked, especially if it is by someone they know. Being there to support them until the time is right might be just what they need.