“Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes fear or emotional distress (SPARC).” Under Illinois law, two or more incidents make it a pattern of stalking. Incidents can include, but are not limited to, unwanted contact over phone calls, texts, social media, unwanted gifts, showing up or approaching an individual or the individual’s family friends or co-workers, monitoring an individual, damage to property, or threats against an individual or someone close to them.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience stalking in their lifetime. More than half of all victims were stalked before the age of 25, with 1 in 4 being stalked before the age of 18. Nearly half of all stalking victims experience at least one unwanted contact per week, and 11% of stalking victims have been stalked for five or more years.
Anyone can be a victim of stalking, but the majority of victims are stalked by someone they know, often a former partner, an acquaintance, or a family member. A majority of stalking victims are female; however, anyone can be stalked. One difficult aspect of stalking is that it can appear unproblematic or even desirable to outsiders. Because of this, victims reacting to stalking may say or do things that seem unusual to individuals who lack context. For example, a person may become frightened upon receiving flowers at their workplace. From the outside, this may seem like an odd reaction, but for the victim it signals that the stalker knows where they work, and may use that information for power and control. Fear is contextual, so understanding the root cause of an individual’s emotions is critical for responders.
Another important aspect to understand is how stalking can cause victims to change their behavior as a coping mechanism and in response to emotional exhaustion. Victims may change travel routes, avoid certain places, screen calls, relocate quickly, or change jobs. These behaviors are signs that an individual is afraid and does not feel safe.
Stalking victims often report harm to their career, 1 in 8 employed stalking victims lose time from work, more than half of them lose 5 days or more. 1 in 7 victims are forced to move from their home as a result of the stalking. Victims also experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and social dysfunction compared to the general population.
Stalking is a serious and often misunderstood crime that can have long-lasting impacts on victims’ safety, mental health, and daily lives. It involves repeated, unwanted behaviors that can escalate over time, and are most often carried out by someone the victim knows. While stalking may appear harmless to outsiders, it creates ongoing fear and makes victims feel like they have to alter their routines, careers, and living situations in order to feel safe. The emotional, social, and economic consequences are significant, underscoring the importance of recognizing stalking behaviors early, understanding their context, and responding with empathy.
Resources:
SPARC. (n.d.). National Stalking Awareness Month. https://www.stalkingawareness.org/stalking-awareness-month-2026
Written by: Paul Benson
