Stalking: A Crime of Power and Control
Stalking is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that affect how we respond to and support victims.
Stalking is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that affect how we respond to and support victims.
My ex won’t leave me alone. If they say they love me, does this mean they’ll never hurt me?
There’s nothing you can do if your ex’s persistent contact is scaring you.
My ex is showing up uninvited, often with gifts, and it's impacting my workplace and housemates. Is this just their way of showing love?
It’s normal behavior for an ex to ask your family and friends to pass on messages after being blocked.
It’s just part of a breakup if an ex appears at your home, refuses to leave, and gets aggressive.
If your ex is stalking you, you’re probably leading them on and enjoying the attention.
It takes two to tango. If you think your ex is stalking you, you must have led them on.
So what if your ex is ‘stalking’ you? If they don’t physically hurt you, it’s not illegal.
Resources
We want to educate Victorians on the signs of stalking and how to report it in a new campaign with Victoria Police.
‘Stalking is a Crime’ Campaign link here.
Resources to recognising and reporting stalking.
Download here.
If anyone is in immediate danger or a crime is currently occurring, please call police on Triple Zero (000). If you cannot access a phone, you can also go to a police station.
If you think you may be the target of stalking, you can report it to the police by contacting your local police station.
If you or someone you know is unsure what to do and would like to discuss your options:
- Victims of Crime Helpline – 1800 819 817 (8am-11pm): https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/get-help
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – 1800 015 188 (24/7): https://www.safesteps.org.au
- The Orange Door – 1800 312 820 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri): https://www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au
- Victoria Legal Aid – 1800 677 402 (8am-6pm): https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
If you would like help removing content online or reclaiming your identity:
- eSafety Commissioner – Link to report
- IDCARE – 1800 595 160 (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri): https://www.idcare.org
Everyone responds to crime differently. If you need help, it is important to reach out:
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (24/7): https://www.1800respect.org.au
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7): https://www.lifeline.org.au
- 13YARN – 13 92 76 (24/7): https://www.13yarn.org.au
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 (24/7): https://kidshelpline.com.au
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 (24/7): https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Headspace – 1800 650 890: https://headspace.org.au
- RainbowDoor – 1800 729 367 (10am – 5pm): https://www.rainbowdoor.org.au
Remember: It can make a real difference having someone to talk to.
- No to Violence – 1300 766 491 (24/7): https://ntv.org.au
- MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978: https://mensline.org.au
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS): https://www.vahs.org.au
- InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence: https://intouch.org.au
- Djirra: https://djirra.org.au
- Sikh Helpline Australia: https://www.australiansikhsupport.org
- Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) Support Services: https://icv.org.au
- African Family Services: https://www.africanfamilyservices.org.au/volunteers
- Thorne Harbour Health: https://thorneharbour.org
TIS National – 131 450 (24/7): https://www.tisnational.gov.au
Access to interpreters speaking more than 160 languages.