Stalking is a lot. Let’s break it down.
First, what is stalking? Basically, it’s a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any kind of behavior that makes someone feel scared, intimidated, or like their safety (or the safety of people they care about) is at risk. It’s not just a one-off weird text; it’s persistent and invasive.
Criminology: Why Do People Stalk?
When we talk about the criminology behind stalking, we’re essentially asking: what motivates someone to do this? It’s not usually one single thing, but a cocktail of psychological and situational factors.
A huge piece of the puzzle. Stalkers often develop an intense, unhealthy obsession with their target. This isn’t just “I really like them”; it’s a consuming fixation where the victim becomes the center of their world, often in a delusional way. This obsession fuels a need for control – they want to dictate the victim’s life, attention, or even emotions. When they feel like they’re losing that control, they escalate.
For a lot of stalkers, especially those who target former romantic partners, the stalking starts because they can’t handle rejection. They might feel abandoned, betrayed, or humiliated. Their stalking isn’t about getting the person back in a healthy way; it’s about punishing them, regaining some perceived power, or simply refusing to accept that the relationship is over. It’s a deep wound causing really unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Many stalkers live in a fantasy world. They might genuinely believe the victim loves them back (even if there’s no evidence), or that the victim needs saving, or that they’re destined to be together. When reality clashes with this fantasy (like the victim filing a restraining order), it can be really disorienting and often leads to more intense stalking as they try to “correct” reality.
While not all stalkers have a diagnosed mental illness, many do. Things like delusional disorders (where they believe things that aren’t true, like erotomania – the belief that someone is in love with them), personality disorders (like narcissistic or borderline personality disorder, which can involve intense fear of abandonment, manipulation, and rage), or even severe anxiety and depression can contribute. These issues can warp their perception and make them unable to empathize or understand boundaries.
Some stalkers feel entitled to the victim’s attention or presence. They might not see their actions as wrong or harmful because they’re so focused on their own desires. They lack the empathy to understand the fear and distress they’re causing.
For some, it’s purely about getting back at someone they feel wronged them. This could be an ex, a boss who fired them, or someone they perceive as having slighted them. The stalking becomes a vehicle for their anger and a way to inflict pain.
Different Flavors of Stalkers
Researchers have tried to categorize stalkers to better understand and predict their behavior. The most commonly cited typology comes from people like Paul Mullen, Michele Pathé, and J. Reid Meloy, and it helps us see patterns. Here are some common types:
The Rejected Stalker (Most Common, High Risk!):
Who they are: Usually a former intimate partner (boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse). They can’t accept the breakup and feel angry, sad, and betrayed.
What they do: They cycle between trying to get back together and trying to get revenge. Think endless texts, showing up at your job, spreading rumors, damaging property. They might send gifts one day and threats the next.
Why it’s dangerous: This group has the highest rates of violence because they have a prior relationship, know the victim’s routine, and often have a history of domestic violence. They feel like they “own” the person.
Example: Your ex who just won’t leave you alone after you broke up. They keep calling, showing up at your dorm, trying to get mutual friends to intervene, and then suddenly post mean stuff about you online.
The Intimacy-Seeking Stalker (Delusional, Persistent):
Who they are: Often lonely, socially isolated, and might have mental health issues (like erotomania). They develop a delusional belief that the victim loves them, is their soulmate, or is somehow communicating with them telepathically.
What they do: They want to establish a relationship. They’ll send love letters, gifts, show up saying “we belong together,” or try to “rescue” the victim from imagined dangers. They usually don’t see their actions as stalking, but as wooing.
Why it’s dangerous: While often less physically violent than rejected stalkers, they can become violent if their fantasy is directly challenged or they feel “betrayed” when the victim doesn’t reciprocate their “love.” They’re incredibly persistent and hard to deter.
Example: That weird person from your lecture who you barely know, but they keep sending you long, handwritten notes about how you’re meant to be, following you to the library, and genuinely believe you’ve been secretly flirting back.
The Resentful Stalker (Vindictive, Power-Seeking):
Who they are: Someone who feels wronged or unjustly treated by the victim (or by society in general, with the victim representing that injustice). They often feel powerless and seek to get revenge or assert dominance.
What they do: Their goal is to frighten, distress, or punish the victim. They might spread rumors, make threats, harass, or damage property. They want to scare the victim into submission.
Why it’s dangerous: They can be highly unpredictable and violent, especially if they feel continually ignored or disrespected.
Example: An old classmate you had a minor disagreement with years ago, and now they’re leaving nasty comments on all your social media posts, sending anonymous threatening emails, or keying your car because they feel you “got away with something.”
The Predatory Stalker (Highest Risk of Sexual Violence):
Who they are: This is the scariest type. They observe and gather information about their target to plan a physical (often sexual) assault. The stalking is part of their preparation.
What they do: They often remain hidden, observing, following, and collecting information, sometimes without direct contact. It’s usually very quiet, methodical, and chilling.
Why it’s dangerous: While direct contact might be minimal, the risk of a serious physical or sexual assault is extremely high, as that is their ultimate goal.
Example: You keep noticing the same car parked near your apartment building at odd hours, or you feel like you’re being watched, but you never see anyone directly approach you. It’s surveillance for a future crime.
The Incompetent Suitor (Socially Awkward, Persistent):
Who they are: Often socially inept, lacking in social skills, and don’t understand normal social cues. They want a relationship but go about it in an inappropriate and persistent way.
What they do: They try to initiate a relationship but are clumsy and don’t take “no” for an answer. Their behavior isn’t usually malicious, but it’s unwanted, creates discomfort, and can still be frightening due to its persistence.
Why it’s dangerous: Generally less prone to violence, but they can become frustrated or escalate if repeatedly rejected, blurring the lines with other types.
Example: That person in your club who keeps asking you out even after you’ve said no ten times, leaving you awkward gifts, and doesn’t seem to grasp that you’re just not interested, making you uncomfortable.
Does it Actually Get Physical?
Okay, so this is the super important part: YES, stalking absolutely leads to violence, and it’s not rare. People often underestimate the danger because they think “it’s just bothering someone,” but the statistics and research show a very grim picture.
Studies consistently show that a significant percentage of stalking cases escalate to violence. It’s not a rare event. Estimates vary, but many studies suggest that over 30-50% of stalking victims experience some form of physical violence from their stalker, with a higher percentage experiencing threats.
The highest risk of violence comes from stalkers who are former intimate partners (the “Rejected Stalker”). If there’s a history of domestic violence in that relationship, the risk of escalating to serious physical harm or even homicide is incredibly high. These stalkers know the victim’s vulnerabilities, routines, and often have intense anger.
Factors Increasing Violence Risk (Red Flags!):
- Threats: If the stalker makes direct or indirect threats of violence.
- Prior Violence: A history of violence against the victim or others.
- Weapon Access: If the stalker owns or threatens with weapons.
- Substance Abuse: Stalkers who abuse drugs or alcohol can be more impulsive and dangerous.
- Escalation: If the stalking behavior is getting more frequent, more invasive, or more bizarre.
- Mental Health Issues: Untreated severe mental illness, especially delusional disorders.
- Breaking Restraining Orders: Disregarding legal injunctions shows a lack of respect for authority and the victim’s boundaries.
Psychological Violence is Still Violence. Even if it doesn’t get physical, stalking inflicts immense psychological violence. Victims often suffer from severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, paranoia, and have their lives completely disrupted. They might lose jobs, drop out of school, or move multiple times, all because of the constant fear.
So, while it’s tempting to brush off “just” unwanted attention, the criminological and typological research makes it really clear: stalking is a serious crime with a very real and high potential for physical violence, especially from ex-partners. It’s about power, control, and often, an inability to cope with rejection or perceived injustice, leading to devastating consequences for victims.
References
Meloy, J. R. (Ed.). (1998). The Psychology of Stalking: Clinical and Forensic Perspectives. Academic Press.
Meloy is a huge name in stalking research. This book is a compilation of expert articles covering psychological profiles, risk assessment, and clinical management. It’s a bit dense, but super informative.
Mullen, P. E., Pathé, M., & Purcell, R. (2099). Stalkers and their Victims. Cambridge University Press.
These authors developed one of the most widely accepted typologies of stalkers. It’s a comprehensive look at the phenomenon, from the perspective of both the stalker and the victim.
Zona, M. A., Sharma, K. K., & Lane, J. (1993). A comparative study of erotomanic and obsessional subjects in a forensic sample. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 38(4), 894-903.
This is one of the earlier, foundational studies that really looked at different types of stalkers in a forensic setting. It’s a classic for understanding the categories.
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) / Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS):
For up-to-date statistics on the prevalence of stalking, victim demographics, and connections to other crimes like intimate partner violence in the U.S., these government resources are excellent. Search their websites for reports on “stalking.” They often have accessible summaries.
