Invisible Trauma: The Legal Neglect of Male Stalking Victims

Abstract 

Stalking is widely recognized as a serious crime that predominantly affects women; however, the experiences of male victims remain largely overlooked and underreported. Stalking is defined as persistent, undesired conduct that makes the victim feel afraid and distressed. Although stalking has historically been seen as a gendered crime that affects women, more and more data shows that men can experience stalking as well, frequently with particular difficulties. The prevalence and effects of stalking on men are highlighted in this article, which examines the practice from a legal and psychological standpoint. It is backed up by real life and actual cases. Because of social stigma, gender norms, and a lack of legal acknowledgment, male victims often face obstacles to reporting, even when their experiences are severe. To give a thorough grasp of this intricate problem, the reasons behind female-perpetrated stalking are also investigated. The article evaluates current legal frameworks and provides men with actionable strategies to take in the event of stalking.

Key Words – Male stalking victims, women stalkers, legal neglect, gender bias in law, men-victims of stalking, protective measures

Stalking

Stalking is defined in most legal systems as a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact that causes fear or distress. Under Indian law, the offence of stalking is explicitly defined under Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. It states that:

“Any man who—(i) follows a woman and contacts, or attempts to contact, such woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman; or (ii) monitors the use by a woman of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication, commits the offence of stalking.”^[1]

Cyberstalking means harassing or threatening someone using the internet or digital technology. Section 67 of the IT Act, 2000: This law punishes anyone who shares obscene or vulgar content online to threaten or shame someone.

India’s laws on stalking—through Section 354D of the IPC and Section 67 of the IT Act—do address key aspects of physical and digital harassment. However, Section 354D’s gender-specific language limits its scope, leaving male and other non-female victims without direct legal recourse under that section. This reflects a broader need for gender-neutral laws that protect all individuals equally, regardless of gender, from the psychological and emotional harm caused by stalking.

Common behaviours associated with stalking

• Repeated phone calls, messages, or emails despite being asked to stop.
• Following the victim or showing up uninvited at their home, workplace, or social venues.
• Monitoring the victim’s online activities or physical movements.
• Leaving unwanted gifts, notes, or objects.
• Damaging the victim’s property or threatening harm
• Using technology to track or servile the victim.

Impact of Stalking

• Emotional and Psychological Harm: Men often suffer from anxiety, fear, and depression, though these symptoms may go unacknowledged due to societal expectations.
• Social Withdrawal: Victims may isolate themselves to avoid the stalker, losing personal and professional connections.
• Reputational Damage: Cyberstalking can lead to false accusations or content that harms a man’s public image or career.
• Erosion of Self-Worth: Stalking challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, leaving men feeling powerless or emasculated.
• Physical Effects: Chronic stress from stalking can result in sleep disorders, fatigue, and other health problems.

Why men hesitate to report stalking

• Laws such as Section 354D IPC exclusively protect women, leaving male victims without legal 
• Male victims frequently fear ridicule, disbelief, or dismissal from peers, family, or authorities.
• Cultural expectations discourage men from admitting weakness, leading to hesitancy in reporting victimization.
• Societal norms expect men to be emotionally robust and self-sufficient, which makes seeking help more difficult.
• The perception that officials and society will not respond adequately discourages male victims from coming forward.
• Male victims feel ashamed, emasculated, or confused about the legitimacy of their experiences.^[2]

Motivations Behind Female Stalking Behaviour

Women may engage in stalking for a variety of psychological and emotional reasons.

• If a woman feels a strong emotional bond with a man or views him as a romantic ideal, she may become obsessed on him.
• Some women may find it difficult to accept the breakup and turn to stalker behaviours in an effort to get back in touch, get closure, or reclaim control. This behaviour is sometimes referred to as “rejected stalker.”
• Stalking behaviour may be exacerbated by conditions such as borderline personality disorder, delusional disorder (erotomania), or other psychiatric problems.
• A strong feeling of emotional neediness or loneliness may cause someone to get obsessed with a specific person in order to find emotional fulfilment.
• A woman may think there is a deeper connection than there actually is when kind or friendly behaviour is mistaken for romantic interest usually from misinterpretation of signals.
• If a woman feels deceived, coerced, or injured, she may stalk the male in an attempt to get even or to punish him in a social or emotional way.
• A woman may have an idealized view of a man as a result of media influence or her own fantasies.
• Use of drugs or alcohol and poor impulse control can amplify obsessive tendencies and reduce the person’s ability to recognize boundaries.

Survey and Statistics

• In India, no specific survey has ben conducted to determine whether men are victimized in stalking.
• However, according to Crime Survey for England and Wales:
  • About 1.2 million people experienced stalking in the year ending March 2016.
  • 450,000 were male victims, and 759,000 were female victims.
  • Around 85% of victims do not report stalking.
  • In 2020/21, only 20.5% of male victims reported stalking to the police.
  • Crime survey data and information from 28 police forces suggest that many victims are coming forward, but reported numbers are lower than estimates.
  • Male victims were estimated at around 35% in 2019/20.
  • In Kent, 21.5% of victims were male.^[3]

Lived Experiences 

A notable real-life instance is that of Tom, a male stalking victim reported by The Guardian (2024). After ending an on-and-off relationship with a colleague, his ex-partner began  showing up uninvited at places he frequented, spreading false accusations about him, and even physically assaulting him. Despite trying to set boundaries and cutting contact, the stalking continued for months. The situation escalated when she tracked him down in London, chased him through the underground, and sexually assaulted him on a train carriage. She continued to harass him by trying to force her way into his home.^[4] Despite reporting the matter, law enforcement response was minimal and no conviction was secured. Tom’s ordeal reflects the broader issue of under-recognized male victimhood and underscores the pressing need for gender-neutral stalking laws and institutional responses that protect all victims equally. In early 2025, South Korean rapper Beenzino became the latest high-profile figure to report stalking behaviour. Seoul police confirmed they are investigating a woman in her 30s for persistently visiting Beenzino’s home in Seongbuk District, despite repeated warnings. She also targeted the offices of IAB Studio—where Beenzino is a co-owner—further escalating the concern. The rapper was forced to file an official complaint, signalling the seriousness of the situation and the psychological toll such unwanted attention can inflict.

Beenzino’s case is not an anomaly. Many male celebrities in South Korea, especially K-pop idols, have spoken about their struggles with similar intrusions. Lee Jun-ho, a member of the boy band 2PM, shared his experience during a February 2025 episode of the YouTube series Salon de Lip 2. He recounted a chilling encounter when someone rang his doorbell at 3 a.m. and gave a random name through the intercom. In another instance, someone eerily called out to him by the affectionate term “oppa” before he even entered his home. “I was really shocked,” he said, revealing the lasting emotional disturbance the incident caused.^[5]  Punjab’s well-known musician and congress activist, Siddhu Moosewala, was recently stalked and killed in 2022. The stalker had all the information regarding the travel plans of Siddhu Moosewala.^[6]

What a man can do when being stalked 

Legal Position in India

Even though stalking laws in India have been largely gender-specific (with Section 354D IPC focused more on female victims), men too can seek justice and protection. Indian courts have recognized the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender, to safety and personal liberty.

What to do practically –

• Document Everything –

Before taking any legal step-

1. Save messages (SMS, WhatsApp, Instagram, emails, etc.)
2. Take screenshots and back them up (Google Drive/pen drive).
3. Note dates and times when she followed you or tried to contact you.
4. Capture CCTV footage (if possible, from nearby stores or societies).
5. This will all be critical for FIR or court proceedings.

• Lodge a Complaint at the Police Station –

Go to nearest police station

• File a written complaint explaining:
  1. Who is stalking you?
  2. How and when it happens
  3. Include evidence (screenshots, CCTV, legal notice copy, etc.)
• Request an NC (Non-Cognizable Complaint) entry and keep a copy.
• File a FIR if It Escalates –

If stalking continues or becomes threatening:

1. Demand the police register a FIR under appropriate IPC sections.
2. If they refuse, approach the Superintendent of Police or file a complaint before Magistrate.^[7]

Legal Provisions You Can Rely On

Although 354D is gender-specific, you can rely on:

• Section 503 IPC – Criminal intimidation
• Section 506 IPC – Punishment for criminal intimidation
• Section 509 IPC – Word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty (can be invoked neutrally depending on context)
• Section 67 IT Act – Publishing or transmitting obscene material electronically (if applicable)
• Section 379 IPC – If she takes photos of you without permission and misuses them, it could be considered theft or misuse of personal property

If her actions become physically threatening:

• Section 341 IPC – Wrongful restraint
• Section 354 IPC (in special cases) – If there’s any form of physical contact without consent

Conclusion

In stalking cases, men are often seen as perpetrators rather than victims due to deep-rooted social and legal biases. We should avoid drawing conclusions based only on assumptions or one-sided stories. Stalking is a very invasive and psychologically damaging crime, yet legal and social systems still mainly view it through a gendered perspective. While we have made important strides in protecting female victims, male survivors often go unnoticed, dismissed, or even mocked. The absence of gender-neutral laws, along with societal stereotypes about masculinity, leaves many men without appropriate legal options or psychological help. Their pain is real, but it often stays hidden, lost in stigma, silence, and institutional disregard. Fixing this issue needs immediate legal changes, greater awareness, and inclusive policies that treat stalking as a crime against anyone, regardless of gender. Only by taking these steps can we guarantee that justice, protection, and support reach all victims, and that no one’s trauma goes unrecognized just because of their identity.

 

References

^[1] bare acts: Indian Penal Code, 1860, S. 354D; Information Technology Act, 2000, S. 67

^[2] “Men as Victims of Stalking in Modern Society: An Exploration of Laws and Remedies | Legal Service India – Law Articles – Legal Resources” [para9] <https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-20107-men-as-victims-of-stalking-in-modern-society-an-exploration-of-laws-and-remedies.html>.

^[3]  “Men as Victims of Stalking in Modern Society: An Exploration of Laws and Remedies | Legal Service India – Law Articles – Legal Resources” [para9] <https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-20107-men-as-victims-of-stalking-in-modern-society-an-exploration-of-laws-and-remedies.html>.

^[4] Esther Addley, “‘I Felt Immense Shame’: One Man’s Experience of a Female Stalker” The Guardian (April 28, 2024) <https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/26/i-felt-immense-shame-man-stalked-by-woman-baby-reindeer>.

^[5] Pyo Kyung-Min, “Celebrities Speak out against Stalker Threats, Invasion of Privacy” The Korea Times (October 1, 2024) <https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20240929/celebrities-speak-out-against-stalker-threats-invasion-of-privacy>.

^[6] “Finology Blog” (Finology) (para 4) <https://blog.finology.in/Legal-news/stalking-laws-in-india>.

^[7] Free Law, “Free Law” Free Law: Get Free Headnotes & Judgments (October 18, 2023) (last para) <https://www.freelaw.in/legalarticles/Stalking-Laws-in-India>.