AP Women’s Commission Says Awareness Vital to Curb Stalking

ANANTAPUR: Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission chairperson Dr. Shailaja on Tuesday said preventing stalking and harassment of women is a collective social responsibility. She stressed the need for greater public awareness, particularly about cyber stalking.

Addressing an awareness programme at the Engineering department auditorium of Sri Krishnadevaraya University (SKU), organised by the AP State Women's Commission in association with the National Commission for Women, Dr. Shailaja said stalking is a serious criminal offence that should not be ignored.

She said stalking includes repeatedly following a person against their will, monitoring their movements, attempting to intrude into their private life, sending unwanted messages, phone calls, gifts, or letters despite being asked to stop, creating fake social media accounts, hacking phones or online accounts, and harassing women through digital platforms.

The commission chairperson said cyber stalking has emerged as a growing threat, replacing many forms of physical stalking. She noted that many women, particularly young girls, continue to face harassment due to a lack of awareness about what constitutes stalking and the legal remedies available.

She asked victims to identify stalking at an early stage, preserve evidence, such as messages and screenshots, and immediately approach the police or other competent authorities for legal action.

Dr Shailaja asked victims not to treat stalking lightly, warning that it could lead to anxiety, depression, and fear. She said creating awareness among young people is essential to preventing such offences.

Anantapur Police Training College principal Supraja cited case studies and said even married women have been victims of stalking. She said such harassment had, in some cases, resulted in family disputes, psychological stress, and suicides.

Senior assistant public prosecutor N.C. Sangeeta explained the legal provisions relating to stalking and the procedure for filing complaints, while psychiatrist Dr. Surekha spoke on the psychological impact of stalking and cyber harassment on victims.