In this episode of *Dysfunctional*, Josh welcomes back bestselling author Dr Jessica Taylor for a powerful conversation about one of the most misunderstood forms of abuse in modern society: stalking. Drawing on her new book, *Click, Stalk, Destroy*, Jessica explains how stalking has evolved far beyond the traditional image of someone hiding outside your house. In the digital age, stalking can be relentless, anonymous, and devastatingly effective, all without the perpetrator ever meeting their victim face-to-face. Together, Josh and Jessica explore the psychology of stalking, why victims are so often dismissed or labelled as "crazy," and how power, control, obsession, and grievance fuel much of this behaviour. They discuss the overlap between stalking, coercive control, domestic abuse, online harassment, and cancel culture, as well as the profound impact stalking can have on a person's mental health, relationships, identity, and sense of safety. Jessica also shares her own experiences as a stalking victim and reflects on the failures of current systems to adequately recognise, investigate, and respond to these crimes. **In this episode, we discuss:** • What stalking really looks like in the digital age • Why online stalking is now more common than physical stalking • The concept of "grievance stalking" and what drives perpetrators • How coercive control can continue long after a relationship ends • Why victims are often dismissed, disbelieved, or pathologised • The psychological impact of constant monitoring and surveillance • The role of social media in modern stalking behaviour • Why gathering evidence can become traumatic for victims • DARVO, victim-blaming, and the reversal of victim and offender • What to do if you think you are being stalked • What needs to change in policing, mental health services, and society This is an essential conversation about power, abuse, technology, and the hidden ways people can be controlled long after they think they've escaped. UK orders of the book here: https://amzn.eu/d/0bu9sg6e US and international orders of the book: https://victimfocus-resources.com/products/click-stalk-destroy-international-orders-only-pre-order?_pos=1&_psq=click&_ss=e&_v=1.0 My website for all info and mentoring: www.drjessicataylor.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
