A psychiatrist from the Federal District has been enduring a four-year ordeal as a victim of stalking by a former patient. Laura Campos, 34, told g1 that the harassment began in 2021, following two consultations in 2019. The aggressor, deemed legally incompetent due to psychiatric disorders, cannot be imprisoned, heightening the victim’s sense of helplessness. Despite protective measures, the stalking persists with messages and contact attempts.

The doctor sought judicial recourse, hired lawyers, and altered her routine, but these efforts proved ineffective. The stalker was interned twice but resumed harassment after discharge. Laura switched workplaces and resorted to online-only consultations for safety.

• The case gained traction with a TikTok video surpassing 1 million views.
• The Stalking Law, enacted in 2021, imposes a 6-month to 2-year penalty but does not apply to incompetent individuals.
• Laura keeps the aggressor’s email unblocked to monitor potential relapses.

Start of the Harassment

The case began in April 2021 when the former patient started following Laura on Instagram. Initially, interactions were harmless but escalated to odd messages like “you don’t need to fear me.” After being blocked, the man appeared at her workplace clinic.

Laura alerted building security, but the stalker returned days later. She reports that the approaches became frequent, with messages alternating between affectionate and threatening tones.

Ineffective Judicial Measures

The victim reported the case to the police and obtained protective measures. However, the aggressor, evaluated as legally incompetent by a forensic psychiatrist, disregarded court orders. His incompetence status prevents imprisonment, limiting actions to temporary internments.

After each release, the stalker resumed contact attempts, including messages on September 8, 2025. Laura spent resources on legal fees but feels unprotected by the judicial system.

Impact on Victim’s Routine

The harassment forced Laura to abandon in-person consultations. For months, she worked solely online, fearing new approaches.

She also altered her personal routine, avoiding public places and monitoring the aggressor’s communications to anticipate relapses. The case led her to share her story on social media, seeking support and awareness.

Stalking Law and Its Limitations

The Stalking Law (article 147-A of the Penal Code), enacted in 2021, defines persecution as a crime, with a penalty of 6 months to 2 years. It covers threats to physical or psychological integrity, restriction of movement, or privacy invasion.

In Laura’s case, the aggressor’s incompetence prevents penalty application. He was interned twice but lacked continuous follow-up at CAPS (Psychosocial Care Center).

The doctor criticizes the lack of effective measures to protect victims in similar cases.

Sense of Helplessness

Laura expresses frustration with the justice system, stating she has “lost hope.” Despite legal efforts, the harassment continues, impacting her mental health and professional life.

Failures in Psychiatric Follow-Up

The aggressor, diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, does not maintain regular treatment after internments. The lack of oversight in CAPS follow-up contributes to recidivism.

Laura suggests the mental health system needs better structure to monitor such cases.

She advocates for legislative changes to protect victims of incompetent stalkers.

The case highlights gaps in the judicial and mental health systems, leaving victims like Laura vulnerable.