stalking

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention or contact directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear, alarm, or distress. It can take many forms, including following someone, appearing at their workplace or home, monitoring their activities, repeatedly contacting them by phone, text, email, or social media, and increasingly, digital surveillance or doxxing—the use of online information to track or threaten. It is typically a course of conduct over time rather than a single incident.

Perpetrators may be former partners, acquaintances, coworkers, or strangers. Many stalkers seek power or control, driven by jealousy or possessiveness. Behaviors often escalate and may include threats or coercion, and stalkers frequently use digital technologies to monitor or harass.

Victims commonly experience fear, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and impairment in daily functioning. They may alter routines, avoid certain places, or relocate. Stalking can presage physical violence, and risk varies with context and history.

Responses vary by jurisdiction but typically include criminal penalties, restraining orders, and civil remedies. Victims should report incidents and preserve evidence such as messages or location data. Safety steps include documenting events, improving online privacy, changing routines, and seeking support from trusted friends, family, and victim services.

Prevention emphasizes education about healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and access to victim resources. If you or someone is at risk, contact local authorities or emergency services in case of danger, and reach out to victim advocacy organizations for guidance.