Stalking is repeated harassment or threatening behavior and can lead to physical or sexual abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 4.5% of adults in the United States have been victimized by stalking at some point in their lives. This estimate means that nearly one in every 22 adults in the United States have been victims of stalking.

Stalking is a serious crime that can have lasting emotional, psychological and physical impacts on survivors.

It's important to understand stalking, as it can be both a precursor to domestic abuse or a tactic for an abuser to keep control in a relationship. Identifying stalking behavior can empower a victim to take the steps needed to get to safety and get help.

Stalking behaviors include:

• Following or watching the victim
  
  
• Showing up at places where the victim frequents (home, school or work)
  
  
• Sending unwanted gifts, messages or letters
  
  
• Using technology to track or monitor the victim’s whereabouts and communication
  
  
• Leaving threatening or strange items

Statistics show that 81% of individuals who have been stalked were also victims of physical assault. The most dangerous times for those experiencing stalking include:

• During the time of separation from the assailant
  
  
• When a civil protection order (CPO) is issued or an arrest is made
  
  
• After a negative life experience, such as illness, death of someone close or the loss of a job
  
  
• When victims notice stalking behaviors have increased

Stalking often goes unreported for the following reasons:

• Fear of the stalker
  
  
• Thinking it’s not a big deal or bad enough to report
  
  
• Victim blaming, such as advice to “just block them”
  
  
• Fear of authorities or uncertainty about how to report

Recent changes to legislation aim to help fight this epidemic. In March 2025, House Bill 111 went into effect with increased sentencing for third degree felony domestic violence. Additionally, Senate Bill 100 focuses on prohibiting tracking devices without consent in efforts to decrease stalking rates.

What to Do

If you know someone who has been stalked, or have experienced stalking, it is important to implement safety precautions when possible. These precautions include keeping your doors locked, going out in groups and being aware of your surroundings. If you feel like someone is following you, find a safe place to go.

Always carry your cell phone and charger with you so that you can call for help if needed. Trust your instincts and create a safety plan. Additionally, document any incidents and keep a safe record of them. You will need this information if you want to file a complaint with law enforcement or seek a restraining order for added protection.

Challenges

Funding for supportive programs continues to remain low in Ohio, which leads to a lack of shelter space, supportive items, counseling and supportive services such as advocates and forensic nurse examiners.

Additionally, lack of reporting and awareness about domestic violence and domestic violence services means that survivors are not receiving the care and support they need and deserve.

Getting Help

Victim advocacy programs like the Serenity Program at Aultman Hospital respond to patients experiencing violence. These programs work with law enforcement, EMS and other organizations to help spread education and awareness to the local communities.

Specially trained forensic nurses collect evidence that will later be used in court, and they can testify on behalf of the victims. They can also provide you with resources and contacts to help you navigate the court system. Nurse advocates also provide community education and are experts in human trafficking, strangulation and stalking.

If you would like to see a list of local resources, click here.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Stalking Awareness, Prevention and Resource Center
The Staywell Company, LLC