Violence is the most dramatic manifestation of the damage inflicted by stalkers. Instances of violent stalking have been highlighted in recent years in an attempt to impress upon law makers and law enforcers the seriousness of the problem and the need for assertive action. However, violence is by no means the commonest expression of stalking. The conduct of stalkers often evokes distress without them ever laying a hand on their victims. Nonetheless, it is understandable that many stalking victims are concerned for their physical safety. Risk appraisals are also sought by police and the courts and by therapists who treat stalkers or counsel their victims.

Although violence is most commonly directed at the object of attention, other parties may also be attacked, usually because they are perceived as hampering the stalker's pursuit of his victim. Mullen et al. (1999) found that a third of their sample of 145 stalkers attacked their victims, while in 5% of cases violence was directed at others such as the primary victims' families, friends or work colleagues. In most cases the attacks constituted an impulsive lashing out in response to rejection or a perceived insult. The injuries inflicted were largely confined to minor bruises and abrasions.

Research to date has consistently found that it is the rejected stalkers who are most prone to assaultive behaviour.