Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence: Learn the Signs and Resources Available

Intimate partner violence (IPV) isa pattern of abusive behavior intendedto maintaincontrol over another personin a relationship. However,IPV can include more than physical violence. Stalking is one type of abusive behavior that is common and dangerous. Many people use the word casually to joke about researching someone online. However, stalking is serious and a crime. Putting an end tostalking and supporting survivors of stalking starts with a better understanding of what it actually is. Read on to learn about what stalking is and how to get help.

What is Stalking?

Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear or emotional distress. In other words, people stalk to make the victim afraid. Usually, two or more incidents make a pattern. Stalking can take many forms, like:

• Watching online activity

• Following, waiting, or showing up

• Unwanted contact, like calling or sending text messages

• Threatening harm to oneself or to others

• Ruining a reputation or spreading rumors

• Unwanted gifts

Stalking and IPV are very common: One in three women have experienced stalking, and two in five women have survived IPV. Like other types of IPV, stalking can occur during or after a relationship. To identify more of these behaviors, see this guide from SPARC.

These behaviors can be frightening and isolating, which is the purpose of stalking. It can be particularly difficult for a victim to reach out to friends, family, or authorities, because some stalking behaviors can seem normal when taken out of context. What one person might consider normal, even romantic another might consider dangerous. If the behavior makes you feel afraid, it is not appropriate and could be considered stalking.

Being stalked is a frightening experience, and no one shouldhave to go through it alone. Here are some resources to help you:

• In an emergency, always call 911.

• If you or someone you know needs help, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-866-723-3014.

Additional Resources:

• Free counseling is available for survivors of intimate partner violence. Contact Lutheran Settlement House, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, or Women In Transitionto get connected.

• For questions about legal resources for responding to stalking, like filing a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA), contact the Women Against Abuse Legal Center or Philadelphia Legal Assistance.

January 2025 is the 21st annual National Stalking Awareness Month.

Attend these events to learn more about how to support survivors of stalking:

• Know More, Do More: Recognizing and Responding to Stalking Among Victims with Disabilitieson January 21, 2025, at 2 p.m.

• Stalking in the Workplace: For Employers, Attorneys, & Advocateson January 22, 2025, at 1 p.m.

• Context is Key: Recognizing and Responding to Stalkingon January 23, 2025, at 2 p.m.

• Stalking and Older Adults: For Professionals Working with Victimson January 30, 2025, at 2 p.m.

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