Stalking behaviors should always be taken seriously. Stalking can be violent and escalate over time (Stalking Resource Center). It most likely will not stop if it is just ignored. In fact, ignoring the behavior sometimes seems to cause the behaviors to increase in frequency and/or become more disturbing or bizarre. Stalkers have physically assaulted, sexually assaulted, and/or murdered their victims.
In addition to the harm that stalkers directly might cause, it is important to also consider the impact that stalking can have on victims’ wellbeing. In some instances, the emotional agony caused by the stalking can contribute to self-harming behaviors and even attempted and completed suicide.
Who is at risk for escalations in stalking violence?
Being stalked by an intimate partner presents an increased risk of danger for victims. Partner stalkers are more likely to physically approach their victims, be more insulting, interfering, and threatening, and use weapons. Their behavior is more likely to escalate quickly. They are more likely to re-offend even after criminal justice intervention (Mohandie et al., 2006).
Tjaden & Thoennes (1998) noted that stalking can be extremely dangerous for female victims if it involves an intimate relationship that has recently ended.
The risk of violence is also heightened when stalkers make direct threats of violence, are jealous of their victim’s relationships with others, and use illegal drugs (Roberts, 2005).
Stalking is considered an indicator or precursor behavior to intimate partner homicide (McFarlene et al., 1999).