Stalking is a term commonly used to refer to unwanted, obsessive attention directed at a specific person that would reasonably cause them to feel threatened. Stalking behaviors are related to harassment and intimidation and include conduct like the following:
Repeated phone calls, texts, emails or sending unwanted gifts
Following or keeping tabs on where a person goes
Driving by or showing up where a person lives or works
Damaging a person’s home or property
Threatening harm to a person or their loved one
Searching public records, social media sites, hiring investigators
Going through a person’s personal belongings or garbage
Contacting a person’s friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers
Stalking can occur between people who are strangers but most people have dated or been involved with their stalker. Stalking can begin during a relationship or after a relationship has ended because the stalker feels they must regain control over their victim.
Stalking behaviors are unpredictable and can lead to violence.
For more information about stalking and how to protect yourself from it please visit the Stalking Resource Center Website or call your local crisis hotline, victim services agency, or a domestic violence or rape crisis program.
They can help you devise a safety plan, give you information about local laws, refer you to other services, and weigh options such as seeking a protection order.
For related information see Domestic Violence and Rape and Sexual Assault.