Common Characteristics of Stalkers

• Jealous
• Narcissistic
• Obsessive/Compulsive
• Manipulative/Controlling
• Socially awkward
• Views self as victim of society, family, and others
• Unable to take "no" for an answer
• Deceptive
• Difficulty distinguishing between fantasy and reality
• Sense of entitlement
• Unable to cope with rejection
• Dependent on others for sense of self
• Blames problems on others
• Above-average intelligence

4 Different Stalking Types

1. Love Obsessed Stalker
   
   • Stalker has had no relationship or only a very casual relationship with the victim (e.g., stranger, neighbor, coworker, classmate, acquaintance)
   • Mental disorders
   • Delusional thought patterns
   • Socially insecure
   • Low self-esteem
   • Victims include celebrities, athletes, politicians, and ordinary people
2. Erotomanic Stalker
   
   • Stalker has no personal relationship with the victim, but believes he/she is loved by the victim
   • Mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia or paranoia)
   • Delusional
   • Little or no history of romantic involvement
   • Lives a "fantasy" life
   • Victims are most often celebrities, or public figures
3. Simple Obsession Stalker
   
   • Stalker has had personal relationship, most often intimate relationship with the victim (e.g., spouse, partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, casual date)
   • Personality disorders
   • Socially maladjusted
   • Feelings of powerlessness
   • Dependent on the partner for sense of self-worth
   • Low self-esteem
   • Controlling and domineering toward partner
4. Domestic Violence-Related Stalker
   
   • Most common and dangerous type of stalking
   • Domestic violence victims run a 75% higher risk of being murdered by their partners
   • Highest risk to domestic violence victim is when she leaves her abusive partner; stalking often begins or escalates at this point