Lecture 17: Stalking Flashcards
What are the legal requirements for criminal harassment in Canada? [3]
- Must give the victim a reasonable fear for personal safety.
- Must have no legitimate purpose.
- Must happen repeatedly.
Cyberstalking - How has technology changed stalking? [4]
- No physical contact required.
- Can remain anonymous.
- Perpetrators can impersonate victims or others.
- Can lead to third-party harassment (getting others to harass the victim).
Why is cyberstalking harder to prove? [2]
- Digital evidence is required (e.g., screenshots, recordings).
- Harder to establish intent or repeated behavior.
Who is most at risk for stalking? [3]
- Women are more likely to be stalked than men.
- Young people report higher rates of stalking.
- Most victims are stalked by someone they know.
Who engages in stalking? [3]
- Most stalkers are male.
- Women stalkers are more likely to target men.
- Stalkers are often ex-intimate partners.
What are the [5] types of stalkers? - Mullen et al.
- Rejected: Ex-partners trying to reconcile or seek revenge.
- Resentful: Seeking revenge for a grievance.
- Intimacy seekers: Believe the victim is their soulmate.
- Incompetent suitors: Poor social skills but feel entitled to a relationship.
- Predatory: Stalking as preparation for sexual violence.
Why are the categories types of stalkers useful? [2] - Muller et. al
- Helps predict violence risk (e.g., rejected stalkers are more violent).
- Can inform treatment approaches.
What are the limitations of the categorie types of stalkers? [3] - Muller et. al
- Stalking types often overlap.
- Based mostly on male stalkers of female victims.
- Less research on female or same-sex stalking cases.
What are common experiences of IPV stalking victims? [3]
- Unwanted digital communication and property damage.
- High risk of physical violence.
- Stalking often lasts over a year.
How does cyberstalking relate to IPV? [4]
- Can start during the relationship.
- May involve monitoring texts, emails, social media.
- Use of GPS trackers, spyware, or hidden cameras.
- Perpetrator may stalk through the victim’s friends/family.
What are [4] common fears of stalking victims?
Fear of:
- physical harm or being killed.
- the stalking never stopping.
- losing their job, home, or relationships.
- Feeling like they are “losing their mind.”
What are [5] common mental health impacts of stalking?
- Increased anxiety, sleep disturbances
- PTSD symptoms
- Suicidal thoughts
- Social isolation and financial struggles.
- Psychological effects can last long after stalking stops.
Why do many stalking victims not report to police? [3]
- Fear of retaliation.
- Lack of evidence.
- Police may not take it seriously.
What are common recommended safety measures for stalking victims? [7]
- Issue a clear no-contact statement.
- Document all incidents (screenshots, recordings, logs).
- Report stalking to police.
- Increase home security (locks, alarms, cameras).
- Change phone numbers, passwords, routines.
- Inform workplace and coworkers.
- Have an emergency bag ready.
