Stalking

Stalking can be defined as a pattern of behavior or behaviors engaged in by one person or a group of persons that cause another person fear or harm. These behaviors may occur over a period of days, weeks, months, and years. Examples of stalking behaviors include repeated telephone calls, following someone from place to place, sending repeated e-mails, and sending a person unwanted gifts. The goal of stalking is to have psychological control over another person. In most cases of stalking, the victim and the perpetrator know each other. Many times, stalking occurs during or after the ending of an intimate relationship, but it also happens between people who are friends, acquaintances, or strangers. Stalking has an ­economic impact on victims, taxpayers, and employers that ...