Jump to Content

Media Release

September 20, 2004

Blowing the cover on stalking

It is obsessive, dangerous and often misunderstood. Incessant phone calls, being followed in the car, unwanted gifts – the fact is stalking is a serious issue.

In 1996 the Australian Bureau of Statistics undertook a national survey that found that 15 per cent or one million Australian women will be stalked during their lifetime. But it is not only women who are the victims. Anyone irrespective of gender or age can be targeted by a stalker.

Stalkers have no particular profile – they can be former partners, friends and casual acquaintances, workplace contacts and even complete strangers.

Ingrid Kotka, an Honours student based in the Research and Education Unit on Gendered Violence (REUGV) at the University of South Australia, is about to begin research into stalking behaviour and experiences.

“Some forms of stalking may appear harmless at first – sending flowers repeatedly or leaving gifts – but for those on the receiving end the unwanted attention causes fear, anxiety, stress and even depression,” Ingrid has found in examining research on stalking.

Methods used to harass people ranged from unwanted repeated telephone calls, unwanted letters or goods, contact through the computer, SMS texts, direct unwanted approaches, turning up at the person’s place of work, following, surveillance of the person’s home, loitering, physical assault, threats of violence, threats against loved ones, property damage and home invasions.

With the assistance of the Research Unit, Ingrid will be running a phone-in to gather information directly from people who have experienced these unwanted and distressing behaviours.

The purpose of the phone-in is to explore people’s experiences and responses to stalking.

Anyone over the age of eighteen living in South Australia who has experienced apprehension or fear caused by the persistent and unwanted attention of another person on at least two occasions, are invited to respond.

The phone-in is anonymous and people do not need to give their name. All information is confidential.

The Stalking Phone-in will run:
9am-12pm Wed Sep 22nd and 2pm-8pm Thurs Sept 23rd.
The phone number is 8303 0518 or toll free rural 1800 188 158.

“Some stalking cases have involved very frightening incidents,” Ingrid said.

“Although stalking legislation in South Australia was enacted only recently in 1994, it is often difficult to prove that a person has the intention to cause serious apprehension or fear, or harm to another person”.

“There are many misunderstandings around stalking behaviour. We need to know more about who perpetrates the stalking, against whom and why”.

“We know motivations can vary from revenge to unhealthy amorous attention, but we suspect that stalking follows other patterns of harassing behaviour which are motivated by anger, hostility, and the desire to control the victim's life.”

For more information

Media contact

top^