Stalking

Stalking is the excessive watching, contacting, following and harassing of a person. This is done against the will of the person being stalked. Those who do it are often people known to the victim (ex-partners) but they can also be strangers.

For example: sending a large number of text messages, emails and other messages, lurking at work or at home, harassment on the telephone, unwanted gifts and seeking information from the person's environment.

Stalking can affect the victim's health physically and psychologically.

It is important that the stalking can be proven. For example, victims could keep a diary of the individual stalking actions (e.g. gifts, notes, phone calls), victims could inform the people around them (neighbours, friends or an employer) and could take screenshots/photos of any messages (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).

Victim Support (Opferhilfe) can provide support. A specialist can clarify the legal situation and support the victim in their next steps.

The Social Service (Sozialdienst) of the Cantonal Police is specialised in stalking. Those affected can also contact the Social Service.