Persistent Stalking as a Type of Violence

Abstract

This study aims to examine how individuals residing in Istanbul perceive and experience the phenomenon of stalking. This research, prepared as a part of the author’s ongoing doctoral dissertation, is based on data related to stalking. The study, designed using a qualitative method, is based on in-depth interviews conducted with 54 participants selected from six socio-economically diverse districts of Istanbul (Şişli, Fatih, Gaziosmanpaşa, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Sultanbeyli). The findings reveal that stalking is a more prevalent and insidious form of violence than is commonly perceived and affects individuals regardless of gender. The data, analyzed through thematic analysis and discourse analysis, indicate that this behavior is not limited to romantic relationships; it also manifests through non-consensual acts in public spaces, undermining individuals' sense of security. The participants' narratives illustrate that particularly women are exposed to severe psychological effects such as fear, anxiety, and social isolation, leading to a decline in their quality of life. The study discusses the underlying dynamics of stalking through theoretical frameworks such as social learning theory, relational goal pursuit theory, and adult attachment theory. The findings indicate a strong relationship between this behavior and gender roles and power dynamics, highlighting that stalking is not sufficiently recognized in Turkiye. Furthermore, it is observed that digitalization has led to the emergence of new forms of stalking that involve anonymity. By systematically analyzing the heterogeneous nature of stalking experiences in Istanbul, the study provides data for the local literature and contributes to the examination of the less visible forms of violence.

Keywords: Stalking, violence, harassment, gender roles.