Stalking: An age old problem with new expressions in the digital age

This chapter explores stalking as a phenomenon that began in physical spaces but has now expanded into digital space with the advent of the internet and digital devices. This form of intimate partner violence is often misunderstood by lay persons as well as professionals within the criminal justice system, which furthers the negative impact for the largely female victims of this violence. In this chapter, definitions are first provided for stalking and cyberstalking before moving to examining the prevalence of, and motivation for, stalking and cyberstalking. Impacts of this behaviour are explored before examination of the issues in relation to seeking assistance from the criminal justice system and finally covering the informal measures that may be adopted in attempts to prevent stalking and cyberstalking or stop the stalking after it has begun.