Stalked

What’s it about?

Mental health advocate Jazz Thornton explores the issue of stalking in New Zealand through her own experience and the stories of two other New Zealanders, Nortessa (Tessa) Montgomerie and Zeni Gibson.

The facts

• Directed by Justin Hawkes
• English language
• Runtime: 3 episodes – 45 minutes each

Why did it get this rating?

This limited series was self-rated by Neon. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Content that may disturb 

The documentary deals with the issue of stalking and online harassment and abuse in New Zealand. Domestic violence, abduction, and murder are also topics of discussion.

Jazz, Tessa, and Zeni speak openly about being stalked, harassed and, in Tessa’s case, being violently abducted by her stalker, who was an abusive former partner. The women discuss the inadequacy of New Zealand law until a law change this year, and the heavy emotional and psychological toll these events placed on them. Examples of the shocking threats and abuse sent to the three of them through social media apps, text messages, and emails appear on the screen as they talk about them. These messages are uncensored and highly disturbing.

The documentary also includes news coverage and discussion about two other New Zealand women who were killed by men who had stalked and harassed them.

Sexual violence themes

Many of the messages sent to the women contain explicit threats of sexual violence. Zeni receives horrendous threats in an orchestrated campaign of online abuse by her stalker.

Domestic violence

Tessa discusses her experiences of domestic abuse and violence in a coercive, abusive relationship. She also discusses being violently abducted and threatened with murder by her former partner. Some of these events are implied in undetailed recreations. Forensic photographs of her injuries and other evidentiary documents are shown on screen.

Offensive language

The messages sent to the women contain highly offensive and sexualised language, which is often used in an extremely abusive and threatening manner.

Suicide themes

Jazz mentions her previous history of poor mental health and suicide attempts, but this is not dealt with in detail. Tessa mentions that her former partner planned to murder her and then suicide but did not go through with it after she talked him out of it.

Some of the messages sent to the women contain threats of suicide by their stalkers, which are intended as a form of emotional blackmail.

Helplines

The sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on screen, please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Media attention on sexual violence content is raising public awareness | What we're noticing series | Classification Office