Stalking

Stalking is the repeated observation, pursuit, contacting, following and harassment of a person. Stalking is one-sided and occurs over a prolonged period of time. This happens against the will of the person being stalked. This form of abuse is often carried out by people in close relationships, but also by people who are separated (ex-partners). Stalking can also be carried out by strangers.

Examples: Sending a large number of text messages, e-mails and other messages, a large number of phone calls/ringing (‘phone terror’), lurking at work or at home, unwanted gifts, enquiries in the person's environment.

Stalking can have a significant physical and psychological impact on the victim's health.

It is important that stalking can be proven. The affected person can, for example, keep a diary of the individual acts of stalking (write down when and what happened), inform those around them (neighbours, friends, employer) and take screenshots / photos of text messages (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).

The victim counselling centre is there for victims, their relatives and their close caregivers, of all ages and genders. Confidential, free of charge and with the possibility of translation.

• Victim counselling centre of the canton Glarus: Tel. 055 646 67 36