Stalking

Stalking is defined as a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress. It often involves behaviors such as following, surveilling, repeatedly contacting, threatening, or otherwise harassing the victim, and can escalate to physical violence.

Key elements of stalking include:

• Repeated and unwanted behaviors such as following someone, showing up uninvited at their home or workplace, sending unwanted messages or gifts, damaging property, or threatening the victim.
• The conduct must be such that a reasonable person would feel frightened, intimidated, threatened, or suffer significant emotional distress.
• Stalking can be carried out directly or indirectly, including through electronic means like emails, texts, social media, or other digital communications (often called cyberstalking).
• The stalker’s motivation is often to maintain power and control over the victim, regardless of the victim’s wishes.

Legally, stalking is recognized as a serious offense, with some jurisdictions defining aggravated stalking when it involves violations of restraining orders, possession of weapons, or victims who are minors.

In summary, stalking is a deliberate and repeated pattern of behavior that causes fear or emotional harm to another person, extending beyond mere unwanted attention to actions that threaten safety and well-being.