What Is Stalking?

Stalking refers to harassing or threatening behavior that is engaged in repeatedly. Such harassment can be either physical stalking or cyberstalking.

• Physical stalking is following someone, appearing at a person’s home or place of business, making harassing phone calls, leaving written messages or objects, or vandalizing one’s property.

• Cyberstalking involves using the Internet or other electronic means to harass.

• Either type of action may or may not be accompanied by a credible threat of serious harm. But both types can cause psychological damage, and each can potentially lead to an assault or even murder.

Think I'm Being Stalked

If you think you are being stalked it is important to speak to an advocate immediately.  It is critical that victims of stalking maintain a log of stalking-related incidents and  behavior. Recording this information will help to document the behavior for restraining order applications or criminal prosecution.  When reporting the incidents to law enforcement, always write down the officer's name and badge number for your own records. Even if the officers do not make an arrest, you can ask them to make a written report and request a copy for your records. Lastly, a trained advocate can assist you with developing a safety plan.