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Not the Soul I Used to Be: Changes, Harms and Survival

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Victims of Stalking

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Victims and Victimology ((PSVV))

Abstract

Stalking and stalkers exist. The testimonies of stalking survivors who trusted me with their stories are reminders of the often serious, long-term, traumatic and thus complex impacts of this form of interpersonal abuse. This chapter focuses on the psycho-social effects of stalking on victims and discusses the emotional aftermath of being stalked. Survivors talked about the disruptions and forced life changes they had to make in order to avoid and protect themselves from their tormentors such as changing their cars, relocating, reducing their social life, changing their jobs and moving away. The chapter also explores the emotional journey of survivors through their feelings, effects of stalking on other people, losses and coping. The chapter ends with voices of strength and resilience and different pathways to hope and recovery. Findings are discussed in light of relevant studies, literature and known cases highlighting the commonalities between different types of stalking (celebrity, acquaintance, former intimate partner) and the fact that stalking is a severe form of mental abuse.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Law and Criminology, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, England, UK

    Dr. Jenny Korkodeilou

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  1. Dr. Jenny Korkodeilou
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Correspondence to Jenny Korkodeilou .

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Korkodeilou, J. (2020). Not the Soul I Used to Be: Changes, Harms and Survival. In: Victims of Stalking. Palgrave Studies in Victims and Victimology. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-47793-6_5

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