My book Policing Domestic Violence includes stalking. Admittedly it needs updating. Paladin have a lot of information on the website www.paladinservice.co.uk as do I on www.lauarrichards.co.uk and www.dashriskchecklist.co.uk There aren't too many other texts unfortunately. I recommend Gavin de Becker The Gift of Fear and Stalkers and Their Victimshttps://www.cambridge.org/core/books/stalkers-and-their-victims/2B2F75EE36EA8F103C4837C4D8F4699F

Thank you. Stalking is about fixation and obsession. It is a long term pattern of behaviour that is unwanted and intrusive - an intense pre-occupation with another.

In the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the onset of the behaviours. A preventionist approach is key.

More than 80% male perpetrators stalking mostly female victims.

In domestic violence cases, separation is a key trigger point and where escalation happens. If there is coercive control, pre separation and then separation, stalking, finality and a threat to kill - this is an extremely dangerous situation on a timeline to serious harm and/or homicide. 1 in 2 domestic stalkers, if they make a threat, will act on it. Stalking is about fixation and obsession. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US www.paladinservice.co.uk

Yes. Most are serial and without a multi-agency intervention, they will continue. That's why I am campaigning for them to be on the same register as sex offenders.

Not that I have seen.

Domestic violence - the rejected and coercively controlling stalker and predatory are more common that people think. They are also the most dangerous.

Yes.

Oftentimes, they only see their perspective. Narcissism, a distorted cognition and an inability to take another person's perspective into account are common amongst stalkers, albeit they are not a homogenous group.

In the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the onset of the behaviours. A preventionist approach is key.

The psychological autopsy is rarely conducted. In my professional experience and casework, it starts early on. However, the people around them tend to fail to identify it, and may rationalise, minimise and/or excuse it. It is about deep rooted relational and attachment issues in the main.

Very much so. Victims suffer about 100 behaviours before they call the police. We have to change this and encourage them to report earlier.

Most stalkers do not see their behaviour as stalking - in fact I do not recall any cases. Narcissism, a distorted cognition and inability to take another person's perspective into account are common amongst stalkers, although they are not homogenous. Ask him to talk about theirs most recent interactions - specifically ask him to break down his behaviour and then her response. Ask him what he is seeking to achieve and whether he believes his behaviour is taking him closer to that goal or further away. Ask him to describe her and what he likes about her and why he wants to be with her. If he answers with any negative, belittling or disparaging comments about her, ask him why he would want to be with someone like that. Keep going on these lines. It may be much more about him wanting to control her than anything else. If this is the case, importantly please Identify whether there were any coercively controlling behaviours prior to separation. If he is stalking her post separation and there is finality or any threats to kill/harm there is a strong likelihood he will harm/and or kill her. I do not say this lightly. Please check my website for more information about coercive control www. laurarichards.co.uk and Paladin www.paladinservice.co.uk for information about stalking and risk. Good luck.

A dangerous one. In domestic violence cases, separation is a key trigger point and where escalation happens. If there is coercive control, pre separation and then separation, stalking, finality and a threat to kill - this is an extremely dangerous situation on a timeline to serious harm and/or homicide. Stalking is about fixation and obsession. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate there are different types of stalkers - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US www.paladinservice.co.uk

It's extremely frustrating as it trivialises and minimises the damaging impact of stalking and the risks and dangers of stalking. It needs to be challenged!

Most cases involve an element of both. We never know the full extent and range of behaviour. Whatever we do see, is the tip of the iceberg.

They can be. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US.

Sadly this happens a lot - to all professionals as well. Stalking is rooted in relational and attachment issues so it is prevalent. You can speak with other specialists however and put a plan in place. Most stalkers are serial and this must be understood and planned for. Each case is different however and there are expert psychiatrists and psychologists you can seek advice from.

Thank you for your kind words and for following my work. I think we still have a long way to go unfortunately. I along with colleagues have delivered a lot of training over the years - but we may get the police officer to understand and then the crown prosecution lawyer doesn't get it and drops the charge. Then we have to ensure the Probation officer, Judge and/or Magistrate get it. We have to keep on raising awareness as too often it is seen as low level nuisance behaviour. We need more Paladin ISACs - Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers around the country - more funding to ensure the victim's voice is heard and raise awareness.

Great question. Thank you for asking it. Too often people including professionals miss the psychological damage - the drip-drip-drip that is so insidious and damaging. Many professionals are not trauma informed not have they been trained to understand stalking. Paladin deliver training as do I www.paladinservice.co.uk

Not necessarily. Narcissism is more prevalent and distorted cognition. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US.

Stalking is about fixation and obsession and a piece of paper on it's own will not stop the stalker. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US.

In the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the onset of the behaviours. A preventionist approach is key.

Yes. Narcissism, a distorted cognition and inability to understand someone else's perspective are common amongst stalkers. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US.

It depends on what is motivating their behaviour and what they seek to achieve. Predatory stalkers are the most dangerous and are most often motivated to rape and murder. In domestic violence cases, separation is a key trigger point and where escalation happens. If there is coercive control, pre separation and then separation, stalking, finality and a threat to kill - this is an extremely dangerous situation on a timeline to serious harm and/or homicide. 1 in 2 domestic stalkers, if they make a threat, will act on it. Stalking is about fixation and obsession. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US www.paladinservice.co.uk

It depends how much time and emotional investment there is. Stalkers don't just tend to stop on their own once they are heavily invested. In domestic violence cases, separation is a key trigger point and where escalation happens. If there is coercive control, pre separation and then separation, stalking, finality and a threat to kill - this is an extremely dangerous situation on a timeline to serious harm and/or homicide. 1 in 2 domestic stalkers, if they make a threat, will act on it. Stalking is about fixation and obsession. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US www.paladinservice.co.uk

Every case is different. For example, in domestic violence cases, separation is a key trigger point and where escalation happens. If there is coercive control, pre separation and then separation, stalking, finality and a threat to kill - this is an extremely dangerous situation on a timeline to serious harm and/or homicide. Stalking is about fixation and obsession. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US www.paladinservice.co.uk

Without an effective, proactive multi-agency intervention, they won't. Most are serial, yet this is not being recognised hence my campaign for them to be proactively identified and placed in the same register as sex offenders. In domestic violence cases, separation is a key trigger point and where escalation happens. If there is coercive control, pre separation and then separation, stalking, finality and a threat to kill - this is an extremely dangerous situation on a timeline to serious harm and/or homicide. Predatory stalkers are also very dangerous and more likely to be physically and/or sexually violent. Stalking is about fixation and obsession. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US www.paladinservice.co.uk

Sorry to hear this. Has there been controlling behaviour in the relationship? How long have you been together? Do you live together? How much does he have invested in the relationship? Has he every threatened you saying things like 'if you were to ever leave me I'd harm you, harm myself" There are lots of things that are unknown to me so it is difficult to give you specific advice. Leaving is a process you should treat it was such. If there has been control and abuse please seek help from the Domestic Abuse Helpline or Paladin www.paladinservice.co.uk

Stalking is about fixation and obsession. It is intrusive behaviour. Unfortunately they will make themselves known at some point if you are being stalked. That's cold comfort to hear. More info and advice go to www.paladinservice.co.uk

Let her know that you want to be friends and that is all. Set clear boundaries. If you have done that and she is continuing, please look on the Paladin website for further advice and guidance www.paladinservice.co.uk

They may work in a small number of cases. However, I have not seen those cases. Stalking is about fixation and obsession and a piece of paper on it's own will not stop the stalker. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US.

I am sorry to hear this. It's difficult to say without knowing the full context of the situation. Potentially anyone who becomes fixated and obsessed is dangerous. A risk assessment is needed to understand the nuanced detail of what is happening, what is motivating the behaviour and how long it has been going on for. If she threatens to harm you or him, my advice it to take all threats seriously. Please go on Paladin's website and contact them should you need further advice ad support www.paladinservice.co.uk

Yes, tech facilitated abuse is normally part of the behaviour. We live our lives online and IRL. Very little is being done ot protect people by tech companies. Safety is an afterthought in my opinion.

I think it unhelpful. Every case must be taken on it's own merit. Some cases are abouut power and control - and that coercive control with stalking post separation is extremely dangerous and too often the media and others do not understand this. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US.

Everything. So keep a diary - time, date, stamp what happened, who witnessed it and the impact that behaviour had on you. Report it, collect and keep all evidence, get good practical advice from Paladin or a specialist trained specifically to understand stalking and always trust your instinct. I hope that helps. More information www.paladinservice.co.uk

There's more information on Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service's website www.paladinservice.co.uk Normally it does not stop on it's own and a multi-agency intervention is required.

In domestic violence cases, separation is a key trigger point and where escalation happens. If there is coercive control, pre separation and then separation, stalking, finality and a threat to kill - this is an extremely dangerous situation on a timeline to serious harm and/or homicide. 1 in 2 domestic stalkers who make a threat, will act on it. Predatory stalkers and dangerous too and more likely to be sexually and/or physically violent and escalate to murder. However ALL threats to kill/harm should be taken seriously - it's 1 n 10 of stalkers who make a threat, will act (if there is no relationship). Stalking is about fixation and obsession. Understanding what is motivating the behaviour is key to understand risk, diagnosis, treatment and management. To further complicate - every case is different i.e. stalkers are not homogenous - they stalk for different reasons, and the motivation can change over time. However, in the round stalking is rooted in attachment and relational issues. I tend to see it as a pattern of behaviour across the person's life course. However, those around the person may ignore it, excuse it, rationalise and/or minimise it. The stalker is failed, just as much as the victim, as they need an intervention at the early onset of the behaviours. A multi-agency approach is key with a specialist psychologist and an independent stalking advocacy caseworker (ISAC). Paladin have numerous ISACs and we have a network across the UK. More are need in the UK and they are desperately needed in the US www.paladinservice.co.uk