Stalking is incredibly harmful behaviour. It is not a single incident, but a pattern of repeated actions by another person over time that make you feel distressed, fearful or worried about your safety, or the safety of others.
A stalker can be an ex-partner, a family member, a friend, or even someone you don’t know well, like a coworker, a neighbour, or a stranger.
We want to educate Victorians on the signs of stalking and how to report it in a new campaign with Victoria Police.
Surveillance
Surveillance is when someone closely and secretly monitors your activities and movements without permission.
Surveillance
Surveillance is when someone closely and secretly monitors your activities and movements without permission.
Surveillance
Surveillance is when someone closely and secretly monitors your activities and movements without permission.
Unwanted contact
Unwanted contact is when someone keeps trying to get in touch with you after you have told them to stop. This can include repeated phone calls, texts, emails, gifts or visits
Threatening behaviour
Threatening behaviour is when someone’s actions cause you to feel fearful or intimidated. This includes direct threats to you or your family, aggressive gestures, or any action that suggests someone may become violent or dangerous.
Unwanted contact
Unwanted contact is when someone keeps trying to get in touch with you after you have told them to stop. This can include repeated phone calls, texts, emails, gifts or visits.
Unwanted contact
Unwanted contact is when someone keeps trying to get in touch with you after you have told them to stop. This can include repeated phone calls, texts, emails, gifts or visits.
Threatening behaviour
Threatening behaviour is when someone’s actions cause you to feel fearful or intimidated. This includes direct threats to you or your family, aggressive gestures, or any action that suggests someone may become violent or dangerous.
Threatening behaviour
Threatening behaviour is when someone’s actions cause you to feel fearful or intimidated. This includes direct threats to you or your family, aggressive gestures, or any action that suggests someone may become violent or dangerous.
In the year ending March 2024 there were 2642 stalking offences reported. More than half of the reports were related to family violence.
Nobody should have to face stalking alone
Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are committed to responding to stalking and urge those that are experiencing stalking, or know of someone who is, to make a report. Any information provided will help to stop those committing the crime of stalking and prevent them from causing further harm.
Resources
Stalking is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that affect how we respond to and support victims.
Take our poll 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.
