Stalking
Stalking is a pattern of abuse directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Stalking intersects with various forms of interpersonal violence including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Abusers use stalking tactics to maintain power and control over their victim(s). Stalking is a crime.
Stalking Elements
Pattern of Behavior
Stalking is not a single incident, it is a pattern of behavior called a ‘course of conduct’ in most jurisdictions. The behaviors may or may not be illegal, though the repetitive and unwanted nature when directed at a specific person can cause someone to fear for their safety. The combination of these creates the crime of stalking.
Directed at a Person
Stalking is typically directed at a specific person though stalking can affect multiple people. Stalkers may contact the victim’s family, friends, and/or coworkers as part of their pattern of behavior.
Impact
The impact of the pattern of behaviors include:
- Causing severe emotional distress
- Instilling fear for victim
- Harassing, embarrassing, or annoying the victim
Stalking Statistics
The vast majority of stalking victims are stalked by someone they know:
- 42% Acquaintances
- 40% Current or former intimate partner
Stalkers use many tactics, including:
- Making unwanted phone calls
- Approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim does not want them to
- Sending unwanted texts, emails, photos, and messages
- Following and watching the victim
- Sending unwanted gifts
- Using technology to monitor, track, and/or spy on the victim
Source: Smith, S.G., Basile, K.C., & Kresnow, M. (2022). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2016/2017 Report on Stalking. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease control and Prevention.
Stalking Resources
Learn more about stalking at SPARC (Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center).
