Stalking

Stalking is unwanted and/or repeated surveillance or contact by an individual or group toward another person.[1] Stalking behaviors are interrelated to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person or monitoring them. The term stalking is used with some differing definitions in psychiatry and psychology, as well as in some legal jurisdictions as a term for a criminal offense.[2][3]

According to a 2002 report by the U.S. National Center for Victims of Crime, "virtually any unwanted contact between two people that directly or indirectly communicates a threat or places the victim in fear can be considered stalking",[4] although the rights afforded to victims may vary depending on jurisdiction.

  1. ^ Spitzberg, Brian H.; Cupach, William R. (January 2007). "The state of the art of stalking: Taking stock of the emerging literature". Aggression and Violent Behavior. 12 (1): 64–86. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2006.05.001.
  2. ^ "State and Federal Stalking Laws". The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  3. ^ "18 U.S. Code § 2261A. Stalking". Legal Information Institute. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  4. ^ "Stalking Victimization". National Center for Victims of Crime. February 2002.