Warning Signs of a Stalker

There are approximately 200,000 victims being stalked in the United States each year, says the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Some 75 to 80 percent of all stalkers involve a man as the stalker and a woman as the victim. It is also estimated that 1 in 20 women will become stalking victims at least once in their lifetimes. There are several early warning signs of a stalker that everyone should be aware of.

Personality

• A stalker is often paranoid and has a history of violent behavior. According to the California DOC, a stalker often has a strong sense of entitlement when it comes to his job and may have violent associations or make violent, irrational statements. A stalker may also have significant family, personal and financial stressors.

Verbal and Physical

• There are some verbal and physical early warning signs of a stalker. A stalker may verbally threaten to kill or hurt another person, advises the California DOC. A stalker may constantly cross physical boundaries and exhibit dangerous physical actions, such as grabbing, shaking and hitting. The stalker may also develop a romantic obsession that leads the stalker to constantly contact his victim through letters, phone calls and gifts.

Weapons

• A stalker may possess weapons, such as guns, tazers or knives. He may be obsessed with weapons and be proficient in using them, according to the California DOC. The most powerful weapon a stalker has is his ability to psychologically terrorize his victim. This stalking weapon can cause victims to feel powerless, experience anxiety, have trouble sleeping and eating, to have panic attacks, become jumpy and agitated, and to experience excessive fatigue and persistent nausea, according to the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services. In short, psychological terrorism can lead to health problems and living in a constant state of fear.