Stalking: A Victim’s Perspective

Stalking

A Victim’s Perspective

Stalking is a topic where people often bombard you with acronyms or theory-led assumptions. For most victims, it is simply a deliberate action, a course of conduct that causes them anxiety and fear. So, how hard is it to understand a victim who is being stalked?

 
In reality, stalking comes down to a clear legal and practical boundary. Victims know the reality of how this behaviour occurs. It happens when a person purposefully targets someone, or arranges for others to monitor and harass them and their connections. This is not bullying, and it is not to be ignored as it is a pattern of behaviour that is a foundation to prove a course of conduct.
 
As a result, the perpetrator knows or should reasonably know that their actions are causing fear and threats to personal safety, or inflict severe emotional distress on family members. Ultimately, stalking is entirely about maintaining control over what the victim can or cannot do.

 

The Scale of the Problem

Official statistics from the ONS, state that one in five women and one in 13 men will experience stalking. However, because this behaviour is frequently downplayed, misunderstood by family, friends, colleagues or misdirected by the legal or justice systems, the true scale of the issue remains unknown.
 
Despite this, this event examines the operational reality of stalking through case studies and survivor accounts. We will focus on:

• • The specific behaviours that constitute a targeted course of conduct.
  • The psychological and emotional distress inflicted on victims.
  • The gaps in the legal and criminal justice response to threats.

This session provides essential information for criminal justice professionals, support workers, survivors, and advocates.
 

To read more of my writing on critical criminology, visit my blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this event for?

This session is designed for criminal justice professionals, support workers, survivors, and advocates who want to understand the practical realities of stalking.

What will be covered during the session?

We will focus directly on the specific behaviours of a targeted course of conduct, the psychological impact on victims, and the gaps in the legal response.

Where is the event being held?

The event takes place at The Lit & Phil in Newcastle, providing a dedicated space to examine these issues through real practice and lived experience.