Understanding Stalking Through an Examination of the Netflix Series You: A Prosecutor’s Approach

Assistant State Attorney and Intimate Partner Violence Specialist Kristina Mills joins to examine the Netflix series You and its portrayal of stalking behaviors, including surveillance, life invasion, intimidation, and interference. Using the first episode as a case study, they highlight why stalking behaviors are often minimized or dismissed as “romantic gestures”. Through You’s depiction of Joe’s method of victim selection, incessant victim blaming, creepy invasion of Beck’s privacy, and methodically orchestrated “surprise” appearances, audiences begin to understand the danger and distress stalkers pose to their victims.     Kristina breaks down strategies prosecutors use to identify lethality indicators in victim reports, and explains to factfinders how stalkers abuse positive behaviors like listening and offering support or assistance to obtain information about the victims, which they then use to control or surveil them.  She also shares practical strategies for building stalking cases: reconstructing timelines, spotting intent in digital evidence, documenting repeated conduct, and using motions in limine and other-acts evidence to show a pattern of control.This conversation shines a light on the realities of stalking—and the legal tools available to hold offenders accountable and keep victims safe.For more information:The Netfix series You served as a case study in stalking behaviors for this episode.Assistant State Attorney and Intimate Partner Violence Specialist Kristina Mills’ bio is available at Linkedin. Please visit AEquitasResource.org to find on-demand trainings, articles, amicus briefs, and request expert assistance including AEquitas’ Prosecutor’s’ Guide to Stalking.Expert Resources on Stalking, including a Discussion Guide for the entire You series are available at Stalking Prevention and Awareness Center (SPARC), a project of AEquitas. This podcast discusses the violent crimes of sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking. If you need support, please call: The National Domestic Violence Hotline, RAINN, and The National Trafficking HotlineIf you'd like more info about AEquitas visit: https://aequitasresource.org/ or email us at: [email protected]. Follow AEquitas on Instagram @aequitas_resource