EVOLVING LEGAL RESPONSES TO STALKING AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

The aim of the paper is to study the phenomenon of stalking and sexual harassment, which, from being an invisible “private problem,” has gained the focus of a “public phenomenon” worthy of the attention of the global scientific community. The change in the perception of this phenomenon is accompanied by changes in legislative solutions. The paper begins by examining the causes of its emergence and presence throughout different periods. The paper presents several global and domestic studies and, through the obtained results, explains the reasons for its occurrence, risk factors, and typology of violent relationships. Тhe research method involves reviewing current legal practices, analyzing psychological factors that contribute to stalking behavior, and exploring the barriers victims face in reporting such incidents. The article examines international legal standards and domestic legislation with a focus on prevention. One chapter of the paper is dedicated to a comparative analysis of legislative solutions from several European countries and Western Balkan states. In the conclusions and recommendations for strengthening protective measures against stalking and sexual harassment, improvements, corrections, and changes in several segments are proposed to develop a strong strategy for the prevention and protection against stalking and sexual harassment.