Blog post 4: Stalk-urgggggghhhhh!!

People have different reaction when they've been rejected. Some are just cool with it and some would take it to the extreme level . They tend to be obsessive and desperate. It can count as harassment and intimidation because of invasion of someone's privacy. Monitoring and following the victims are included. This is called Stalking.

Ok, I admit, I have stalker tendencies but not on the extreme type, tho. There's this boy in my former school and I found him attractive. I think I developed a crush on him so I asked our mutual friend for his number. I texted him after 2 weeks and gladly, he replied. That was the start of the story. However, he didn't know who I am. Since I have a crush on him, I've added him as a friend on facebook and browsed some of his statuses, photos,etc. I always check his account and sometimes asks his friend about him. There's some time when he gets confused because I have some information that I shouldn't know about. I think he get the creeps because of me.

What is Stalking?

Stalking is when a person repeatedly watches, follows or harasses you, making you feel afraid or unsafe. A stalker can be someone you know, a past boyfriend or girlfriend or a stranger. 

Stalking is illegal. However, I read somewhere that there is a place where stalking is legal. Such as taking information,calling someone on the phone, sending gifts, emailing . They only become illegal when they breach the legal definition of harassment. Stalkers also may use threats and violence to frighten their victims. 

According to "The Dutch Approach to Stalking Laws" by Lamber Royakkers:

"Stalking is a form of mental assault, in which the perpetrator repeatedly, unwantedly, and disruptively breaks into the life-world of the victim, with whom they have no relationship (or no longer have). Moreover, the separated acts that make up the intrusion cannot by themselves cause the mental abuse, but do taken together (cumulative effect)."

Stalking has a bad impact on the victims. They can be assaulted in many ways and this may cause disruption on their lives just to get away from the stalker. They may feel paranoid every time because they are concern in their health and security. Victims don't have a privacy and a private life anymore because of the stalker's activities. 

Scientists categorize two types of Stalkers: psychotic and nonpsychotic. Stalkers may have pre-existing psychotic disorders such as delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophrenia. Most stalkers are nonpsychotic and may exhibit disorders or neuroses such as major depression, adjustment disorder, or substance dependence. Some of the symptoms of "obsessing" over a person is part of obsessive compulsive personality disorder.

 According to "Stalking Crime: Types of Stalkers" by Tami Port, there are different types of Stalker.

First, is The Rejected Suitor. Rejected stalking arises in  breakdown of a close relationship. Victims are usually former sexual intimates, family members, close friends, or others with a very close relationship to the stalker. Second type, is the Resentful Stalker.Resentful stalking arises when the stalker feels as though they have been mistreated or that they are the victim of some form of injustice or humiliation. Third example, is Intimacy Seeking. Stalking arises out of a context of loneliness and a lack of a close confidante. The victims are usually a stranger or acquaintances. Last, is the Predatory Stalker. This type derives pleasure from gathering information about the target and fantasizing about the assault.

"It's not a joke. It's not romantic. It's not OK. Stop being a stalker"

Stalking is not a joke because it can destroy a victim's life. You can do it just by gathering information, just don't over do it and make sure that you'll not step on the lines. You should be responsible for your actions. It will not make you romantic, It will make you look creepy. Like me. Haha.