Stalking... Myth v. Reality

Myth: “Only celebrities are stalked.”

Reality: 1.4 million people are stalked every year in the United States. We may hear more about celebrity stalking cases in the media, but the vast majority of stalking victims are ordinary citizens.

Myth: “If you ignore stalking, it will go away.”

Reality: Stalkers seldom “just stop.” In fact, behaviors can turn more and more violent as time goes on. Victims should seek help from advocates, law enforcement, and the courts to intervene to stop the stalking.

Myth: “Stalking is creepy but not dangerous.”


Myth: “Stalking is annoying but not illegal.”

Reality: Stalking is a crime under the laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the federal government.

Myth: “You can’t be stalked by someone you are still dating.”

Reality: If your current boyfriend or girlfriend tracks your every move or follows you around in a way that causes you fear, that is stalking.

Myth: “Modern surveillance technology is too expensive and confusing for most stalkers to use.”

Reality: Stalkers can buy surveillance software and hardware for as little as $30 and can easily track victim’s every move on a computer.

Myth: “If you confront the stalker, he’ll go away.”

Reality: Stalkers can be unreasonable and unpredictable. Confronting or trying to reason with a stalker can be dangerous. Communication with the stalker also reinforced the persons stalking behaviors.

Myth: Stalking isn’t a big deal.

Fact: Stalking may cause anxiety, insomnia, and severe depression. Stalking can lead to significant missed time at work. 1 in 7 stalking victims moves as a result of their victimization. In extreme cases, stalking may result in homicide.

If you believe you are being stalked reach out for help

Violence Prevention Center's 24-hour Hotline - 618-236-2531

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

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