The impact on the victim's psychological and social well-being is considerable. The majority had to severely restrict their lives by changing or abandoning work, curtailing all social activities, and becoming virtual recluses. Sleep disturbance was common, and many resorted to substance abuse. Over half had symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Feelings of powerlessness and depression were common, and nearly a quarter of the victims were actively considering suicide as a means of escape.
Personal victims are most likely to be stalked by an ex-partner.
When stalking first emerged as an issue, it was thought to be a problem peculiar to celebrities. Now it is recognized that virtually anyone can fall victim to a stalker. The Violence of Stalkers Zona et al. They suggested a low risk of overt violence, with only two out of 74 stalkers physically assaulting their victims. The majority of stalkers who threatened their victims subsequently acted upon their stated intentions.