Discuss the nature and extent of stalking. Who is most likely to be stalked, and why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated physical or visual proximity, nonconsensual communication, or verbal, written, or implied threats sufficient to cause fear in a reasonable person. Stalkers behave in ways that induce fear, but they do not always make overt threats against their victims. Many follow or spy on their victims, some threaten to kill pets, and others vandalize property. Criminologist Mary Brewster found that stalkers who make verbal threats are the ones most likely to later attack their victims. Though stalking is a serious problem, research indicates that many cases are dropped by the courts even though the stalkers often have extensive criminal histories and are frequently the subject of protective orders. Women are most likely to be stalked by an intimate partner—a current spouse, a former spouse, someone they lived with, or even a date. In contrast, men typically are stalked by a stranger or an acquaintance. The typical female victim is stalked because her assailant wants to control her, scare her, or keep her in a relationship. Victims of both genders find that there is a clear relationship between stalking and other emotionally controlling and physically abusive behavior. Some psychologists believe that most stalkers are persons with mental illness who create social and public problems due to their violent behavior.