Stalking is best understood through a multi-dimensional model, involving the relationship of the stalker to the victim, the motivation of the stalker, and the severity of the stalking behaviour. Such an approach provides a basis for risk assessment.
Well, victims of stalkers may consult general practitioners. Doctors need to be aware of the psychological reasons of being stalked and the legal protections available for victims. They should be able to direct them to local support groups, which can provide useful information to professionals as well as victims.
Clinical psychologist Riziki Ahmed says the victims mostly do not know the stalkers’ intentions and even probably who they are.
"As the victim, you start feeling very worried and you may end up developing very high anxiety levels. And once you have anxiety, you may develop depression later, which now becomes a major problem to handle," she said.
Why do people stalk others? "Most people who stalk others are likely to be mentally unstable. They have a certain perception about you and think maybe they you are their saviour. Others could be people who are your admirer but do not know how to approach you in the right way.
“A stalker can also have a mind of their own, and that is why it is important to always have an idea that someone somewhere is after you, and even understand if they know more about you or even follow you on your social media sites. “Another thing to understand is what type of stalking is happening. Tell yourself, 'This person could be dangerous,’ because you do not know what kind of person they are and what intentions they have.
“As the victim, always move with fear and at least make sure the police or someone is aware of your whereabouts every time. Be in a place where she is not feeling very nervous, and make sure you do not stay out till very late."
Riziki says most people who are stalked always have an idea of who is stalking them, and this makes it easy to be helped when they seek counselling.
"In most cases, it is either a husband or wife they’ve left. The problem is that you don't know their intentions. As psychologists, we try and work on your safely first and even get the police, then we get to deal with the whole anxiety and how anxious you are, and maybe teach you some relaxation techniques.”
Her advice to those stalked is: "The most important thing to do is to avoid giving the stalker power to dictate your life. Once you get very fearful you are very anxious. Thus, you will not be living your life normally; you will have given them power over you. Their intention is they work on how to create fear in you.
“Also, stand up and continue with life; only you avoid getting in the situations that are scary for you but don't give them power. Let people know where you are at every given time, like know that at this time someone will check on me so that you feel secure. To avoid depression, don't be emotionally drained. If you feel overwhelmed, then you need to go for help.”
To what extent can a stalker get? "The problem is we don't know what their intention is and even their mental state. If we know they are normal, we can predict what they are capable of. But now if we are in the dark, we don't know what they can do."
Celebrities that have been stalked include Jennifer Lopez. In 2013, a stalker was found living in her pool house for almost a week. When he was arrested, he told police he was the singer's ex-husband.
In 2011, Beyonce successfully got a court order against a man who was sending her threatening letters, in which he claimed she was an impostor. And in 2013, two stalkers were arrested after it was revealed that they were plotting to kill and castrate Justin Bieber.