Stalking (domestic violence)

STALKING
Name
Institution
Introduction
In society, stalking is referred to as the act of pursuing or approaching an individual stealthily due to obsession. People usually involved in such activities are fascinated by the person they trail. The individual tracked can be famous, a former companion or in other cases outstandingly beautiful women. A stalker more so gets involved in the victim’s life and becomes familiar with all the aspects surrounding him or her. Naturally, stalking is compared to laws of the jungle whereby the stalker is deemed the predator and the latter the prey. (Meloy, 2001)
Characteristics of a stalker
They are classified as those members of the society who feel rejected and unwanted by others. They have a habit of isolating themselves from others. Moreover, stalkers comprise of individuals who are seeking intimacy with others but lack the courage to reveal their intentions in a mutual conversation. They always try to create a “romantic relationship with the victim.” Stalkers are also socially incompetent because they try to create a connection with the victim, but the lack of social skills causes a denial. The rejection makes them resentful, and in the process, they exploit their predatory instincts by causing harm to the victim. (Dressing and Gass, 2006)
In most cases, the stalkers are interested in finding out about the victim’s usual routine. They aim to know their homes, places they frequent most and their daily activities. The information is then used to track the movement of the victim secretly with the intent of either harm or other depraved desires.

Research has proved that the profile of a stalker is different from that of a typical criminal. They are usually older and very intelligent than ordinary lawbreakers. Shockingly, it is claimed that stalkers are usually acquainted with the victim, with most of them being current or former companions of the victim in a relationship. Most stalkers are devastatingly men as suggested through survey because male counterparts often stalk most of the victims. Hence, it is deemed that men are likely to be offenders of stalking and women are likely to be victims.
Authorities around the world particularly the United States have considered stalking a criminal activity. They claim that stalkers are usually driven by psychological disorders or fascinations that might result into wrongdoing. For instance, some stalking incidents have led to the death or physical harm of the victims. The authorities have urged those who have the slightest clue of the possibility of a stalker to report to officials with immediate effect. The objective is to ensure safety to all individuals in society. Seemingly, the authorities have encouraged the society to campaign against stalking. (Walby and Simmons, 2004)
For a long time now, most governments have set aside resources to assist in the fight against social awkwardness such as stalking. The whole concept of stalking raises issues of safety concerns for some people in the society. Mostly the stalkers are maniacs with behaviors and perspectives that completely differ from the rest. They portray weird behaviors, and most of them are introverts with no prospects of a social life. They are mostly isolated from others and rarely participate in social activities. Stalkers avoid interaction with other individuals because their primary concerns become the victims they track down frequently.
Factors influencing stalking
Stalking is affected by a variety of factors that are associated with the wellbeing of the main perpetrators. They include social factors such as previous intimate relationships, psychological conditions for example obsessive compulsive disorder, and psychosis among others.
Previous intimate relationships
An intimate relationship that came to an end can be the cause of stalking whereby the prowler most likely the male counterpart consistently stalks the female who is the victim. In such a case, the stalker is interested to find out the current livelihood of the victim or simply gets motivated by jealous that she might get involved with another person in a relationship. The situation is extremely dangerous because the stalker might cause physical harm to the victim.
Obsessive compulsive disorder
It is a common disorder in our societies around the globe. Some individuals have a tendency of getting extremely obsessed with things or individuals. They allow such issues to occupy their minds. A perfect example is based on the “soundtrack Stan by one of the most outstanding musicians of our generation referred to as Eminem.” In the song, he narrates about an individual called Stanley Martins who was obsessed with him due to his fame and status. Eventually, the person ended up committing suicide because he realized the consequences of his preoccupation. (Matthews, 2004)
Apparently, the disorder is common among people who are extremely obsessed with celebrities and other famous individuals, especially in showbiz. Over the years, a number of Prowlers with the disorder have been arrested by the authorities in the pursuit of a famous person secretly and most of them admit that they have psychological conditions that motivate them to carry out such activities. Instead of locking them behind bars the criminal justice system always admits them in facilities that help people with psychological challenges.
Psychosis
The condition is common in people with psychological damage. An example is a delusional disorder that causes peculiar thinking, behaviors, and emotions. It involves individuals with delusions of grandeur about certain perspectives in their life. For instance, some people can become obsessed with a person to the extent of having delusional plans of spending the rest of their lives together. Without the victim’s knowledge and consent, the person starts making arrangements of fulfilling delusions. In most cases, they abduct the victims forcefully and hide them in non-disclosed locations. The victims are customarily tortured or succumbed to depravity until search parties or law enforcement authorities come to their rescue. (Matthews, 2004)
Effects of stalking
The victims of stalking face a number of challenges. For instance, he or she might develop psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression after being stalked. The victims who are mostly women may get affected socially such that they avoid social contact by staying at home most of the time. They do so because they fear and have concerns about their safety. Some victims are subjected to violence and harm caused by the perpetrators. In worst case scenarios, stalking affects the economy because the victims tend to seek medical attention and in the process, their function at work is diminished. (Abrams and Robinson, 2002)
In conclusion, the government is supposed to establish policies that completely prohibit stalking. They should consider the activity a crime that is punishable by law. Anybody found guilty of stalking is supposed to face the long arm of the law. A criminal prosecution of determining if the person is guilty is necessary to provide punishment. Individuals who get involved in stalking because of psychological disorders require medical attention.
References
Abrams, K. M., & Robinson, G. E. (2002). Occupational effects of stalking. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 47(5), 468-472.
Dressing, H., Kuehner, C., & Gass, P. (2006). “The epidemiology & characteristics of stalking.” Current opinion in psychiatry, 19(4), 395-399.
Matthews, D. D. (Ed.). (2004). “Domestic Violence Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information about the Causes and Consequences of Abusive Relationships, Including Physical Violence, Sexual Assault, Battery, Stalking, and Emotional Abuse… Along with a Glossary of Related Terms and Resources for Additional Help and Information.” Omnigraphics Incorporated.
Meloy, J. R. (2001). “The psychology of stalking: Clinical and forensic perspectives.” Academic Press.
Walby, S., Allen, J., & Simmons, J. (2004). “Domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking: Findings from the British Crime Survey.” London: “Home Office Research, Development, & Statistics Directorate.” (Matthews 2004)