Stalking as a Form of Violence Against Women and Its Representation in Films
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33831/ar587t84Keywords:
Stalking, violence against women, media representations, gender inequality, violenceAbstract
Purpose: Stalking is a frequently invisible form of violence against women, often legitimized through romantic myths. In media and popular culture, perpetrators’ behaviors of pursuit, surveillance, and control are commonly framed under themes such as “love” or “jealousy,” which contributes to the normalization of violence and the internalization of unhealthy relationship patterns. This study aims to examine stalking from a multidisciplinary perspective by analyzing its legal dimensions, perpetrator–victim dynamics, and media representations.
Methodology: The study employs literature review and qualitative content analysis. It investigates the psychological effects and legal frameworks of stalking and analyzes media portrayals through the productions You, Doğduğun Ev Kaderindir (My Home My Destiny), and Sleeping with the Enemy.
Findings: Victims of stalking often experience severe consequences, including heightened anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social withdrawal. Perpetrators typically justify their actions with narratives of “love,” “protection,” or “jealousy,” while victims experience fear and confusion, which may delay help-seeking. In Turkey, stalking was criminalized as a separate offense in 2022, and it is similarly punishable in many other countries. Media analysis shows that in You and Doğduğun Ev Kaderindir, stalking is romanticized, whereas Sleeping with the Enemy depicts it as clearly traumatic and threatening.
Discussion: When media romanticizes stalking, the violence becomes invisible and gender inequality deepens. Media representations are not merely reflective but actively shape societal perceptions. Although legal reforms exist in Turkey, subjective interpretations in practice and distorted media portrayals hinder effective victim protection.
Conclusion: Stalking is a form of violence with significant consequences. Media producers should avoid framing such behaviors as “love” or “protection,” regulatory authorities should evaluate content with gender sensitivity, and legal practitioners must adopt a victim-centered approach. Media literacy and gender equality education, particularly for young audiences, should be promoted.
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