Stalking can leave survivors feeling as if their every move is being watched. This can leave them anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure of what might happen next. While every situation is different, understanding common risks and having a flexible safety plan can help survivors regain a sense of control.
Risks Associated with Stalking
Stalking is more common than many people think. A significant number of both men and women will experience stalking at some point in their lives, often by someone they know. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have been stalked in their lifetime. In Nebraska alone, an estimated 178,000 people experience stalking, based on data from the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.
Stalking can have serious impacts on a person’s sense of wellbeing, including their mental and physical health. According to SPARC, 92% of survivors report one or more psychological impacts from their victimization. They see significantly higher rates of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Flashbacks and/or intrusive thoughts
- Panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social dysfunction
- Substance misuse and abuse
- Suicidal ideation
As a result of the psychological toll that experiencing stalking can bring, survivors are also more likely to develop chronic mental health issues than people with no history of stalking victimization.
Stalking puts survivors at risk of a multitude of physical health problems. About 25% of survivors report feeling sick because of the stalking. When compared to those with no history of stalking victimization, survivors are more likely to report:
- Frequent headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Sleeping difficulties
- Chronic pain
- Asthma
- Blindness/serious vision issues
Stalking survivors are also significantly more likely than non-victims to develop chronic disease, including:
- Asthma or emphysema
- Arthritis or connective tissue disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Hypertension or heart disease
The risks don’t end there, though.
Stalking frequently overlaps with other forms of violence, especially domestic violence and sexual assault. One study found that 81% of people who were stalked by a current or former intimate partner had also been physically assaulted by that partner. Other research shows that 31% of women who are stalked by an intimate partner were also sexually assaulted by that partner.
Stalking can also escalate to homicide. SPARC notes that stalking is one of the top 10 risk factors for intimate partner homicide, increasing the risk of intimate partner homicide by 300%. Over 75% of attempted and completed intimate partner femicides (the killing of a woman or girl by a man and on account of her gender) are preceded by stalking in the year before the attack.
According to SPARC, the most dangerous perpetrators are those who:
- Engage in actual pursuit of the survivor
- Possess or are interested in weapons
- Commit other crimes such as vandalism or arson
- Are prone to emotional outbursts and rage
- Have a history of violating protection orders, substance abuse, mental illness and/or violence, especially toward the survivor
- Have made threats of murder or murder-suicide
And the most dangerous times for a stalking survivor are when:
- The survivor has separated from the stalker
- The stalker has been arrested or served with a protection order
- The stalker has a major negative life event, such as the loss of a job or being evicted
- The stalking behavior increases in frequency or escalates in severity
What Is Safety Planning?
Safety planning helps survivors think ahead about how to stay safe in situations where they might feel at risk of harm. This might include stalking situations, as well as situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
A safety plan can reduce risks and increase safety, whether you’re experiencing stalking or simply want to be proactive about personal safety. It might help you feel more prepared and in control during stressful or dangerous moments. A safety plan can give you clear options to turn to, so you don’t have to make quick decisions under pressure.
When people are faced with dangerous or traumatic situations, it can be difficult to think clearly, plan ahead, and consider their options. This is why we recommend using a guide or working with an advocate when creating a safety plan.
Safety Planning Guides
Safety planning guides outline steps you can take in everyday life, during a crisis, or when planning for the future. They cover things like safe places to go, people you can contact for support, ways to leave quickly if needed, and strategies to stay safer online or at work.
Here are a few safety planning guides and related resources for people experiencing stalking:
Safety Planning with an Advocate
Having a supportive, nonjudgmental person to talk things through with can make a big difference when planning for safety. Advocates can help you understand patterns of the stalking, explore practical day-to-day safety options, think through legal or reporting choices without pressure, and adjust the plan as things change. Many survivors also value the human connection with someone who listens, believes them, and helps tailor a plan that fits their life more effectively than a static document or online tool.
To start working with an advocate, you can contact your local domestic violence and sexual assault organization. These organizations also provide 24-hour help lines, legal assistance, and help filing protection orders, emergency shelter, transportation, and ongoing support. Their services are always free and confidential.
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