Stalking

Stalking refers to the intentional and repeated following, stalking, harassment, and threatenment of a person, causing fear in the victim. Stalking ranges from intrusiveness to persistent psychological terror. It can include physical or sexual assault, and even killing. Victims are threatened psychologically or physically, sometimes over a long period of time. Typical stalking behaviors can include:

• constant unwanted communication and leaving messages (letters, emails, calls, SMS, messages via instant messaging services, at any time of day or night),
• constant observation and tracking,
• Monitoring and reconnaissance of daily routines,
• Questioning third parties and making indirect contact,
• Defamation, insults or publication of undesirable content,
• Intrusion into living spaces,
• Damaging, soiling or destroying property,
• threats of violence and
• physical or sexual assault.

Stalking is punishable in Germany under Section 238 of the Criminal Code.

Stalkers often come from the immediate social environment

Most victims of stalking are women, who are predominantly stalked by men. Stalkers are often former partners, but also acquaintances, neighbors, or work colleagues, and in rare cases, even strangers.

Stalkers are concerned with power and control over their victims. Women who have been abused by their partners often experience stalking during the separation phase by their ex-partner, who refuses to accept the breakup. In these cases, the risk of violence escalating is particularly high.