Male Stalking Victims Urged to Speak Out
Following the success of the hit Netflix dark comedy “Baby Reindeer,” male stalking victims are being urged to report offences and seek support. The show, which has topped the streaming services charts in the UK and US, depicts the true story of a stalker who harasses comedian Donny, played by series writer Richard Gadd.
Kent Police revealed that there were 346 reports of stalking in the county in the past month, with 75 of those made by men. Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Banks emphasized the importance of raising awareness about male stalking, stating, “Men don’t expect to be stalked and it’s not so widely reported on, which is why ‘Baby Reindeer’ was such a good program to shine a light on that very important area.”
The Impact of Stalking on Male Victims
‘Baby Reindeer’ originated as a one-man stage show written by Richard Gadd, which he performed at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The television series portrays Gadd’s own real-life experience of being stalked. Banks, the head of Kent Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Command, highlighted the reluctance of men to report stalking, often due to fears of not being taken seriously.
Stalking can have a devastating impact on victims, as evident in the series. Banks emphasized, “The victim in the program didn’t get a brilliant response from the police, but I can assure people out there that you will get a much more positive response.” She further explained that men often take longer to report stalking, which can result in lost evidential opportunities.
Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support
It is crucial for male stalking victims to break the silence and seek support. The success of ‘Baby Reindeer’ has brought attention to this often overlooked issue, encouraging men to come forward and share their experiences. By speaking out, victims can receive the necessary assistance and protection.
Det Ch Supt Emma Banks reassured potential male victims, stating, “Stalking can have a devastating impact. I think anyone who has watched ‘Baby Reindeer’ can see that. The victim in the program didn’t get a brilliant response from the police, but I can assure people out there that you will get a much more positive response.”
It is important for society to recognize that anyone can be a victim of stalking, regardless of gender. By shedding light on the experiences of male victims, ‘Baby Reindeer’ has played a significant role in raising awareness and breaking down stereotypes surrounding stalking.
Protecting Male Stalking Victims
Law enforcement agencies and support organizations must ensure that male stalking victims receive the same level of support and protection as their female counterparts. This includes providing appropriate resources, training, and awareness campaigns to address the unique challenges faced by male victims.
Additionally, it is essential for society to change perceptions and attitudes towards male stalking victims. Men should feel empowered to report incidents without fear of judgment or disbelief. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we can encourage more male victims to come forward and seek help.
Richard Gadd, the writer and star of ‘Baby Reindeer,’ recently requested fans to refrain from speculating about the real-life identities of the characters. While steps were taken to prevent identification, including the use of pseudonyms for character names, some viewers linked real-life figures to the program, leading them to notify the police.
The success of ‘Baby Reindeer’ has not only entertained audiences but also sparked important conversations about stalking and the experiences of male victims. By speaking out and seeking support, male stalking victims can contribute to raising awareness and ultimately create a safer society for everyone.
