STALKING in Domestic Violence & Abuse Cases

Charity Wairimu Ngugi Latz July 7, 2021

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Under the law, “Stalking” is a criminal offence. Firstly, we have to understand that DVA is all about an abusers desire to gain power and control their targeted victim. The cases involve victims after divorce, in the separation period, after a dating period or during the marriage.

The main motivating factor is to reverse, revenge or correct a Rejection. Therefore, stalking can be defined as:

Unwanted Contact,
Monitoring,
Following openly or in hiding.

A Stalker is a very Resentful person whose main aim or desire is to frighten, stress or distress their consciously targeted victim. Stalkers use 2 main methods :

Harassment:

By demeaning, humiliating or embarrassing the victim
By flash/surprise appearances before the victim in public or private places, e.g. at work or a party.

Intimidation:

A stalking, deliberate behaviour which the victim deems as threatening, upsetting or disturbing.
Causing the victim to fear injury or harm, maybe even through body language.

Common Ways:

They vandalize the victim’s property.
The victim finds things moved in their home in obvious ways or missing.
Emailing, Calling, Physically following.

The Emotional / Psychological Abuse: The Victim becomes disoriented and filled with anxiety. Their daily routine is disrupted, and they usually have to transfer jobs, shift home locations, change their telephone numbers and uninstall their social media apps. Sometimes, with children involved, the victim might be technically stalked through installed devices on children’s phones and toys so that no matter where the victim shifts to, the abuser can trace them.

What can a Victim do?REPORT: This is a police matter, and it is necessary to report as soon as this behaviour starts. Many victims have been maimed very badly or even killed. Try to walk in public ways and not alleys and always wait for other people to be nearby. Let your friends know and your family. Keeping this private and thinking you can handle it on your own is a wrong and dangerous situation.