Stalking
Stalking
Stalking occurs when an individual follows a pattern of behavior that leaves someone else feeling afraid, nervous, harassed, or in danger. Such behavior can include:
- Repeated undesired contact (phone calls, emails, letters, showing up unexpectedly, etc.)
- Following
- Making threats to the individual or her or his family
- Or any other behavior used to contact, harass, track, or threaten the individual
Impact: The impact of stalking can be profound and world-altering. Individuals who are stalked often change many of their behavior patterns and have strong emotional responses to the stalking. Some responses to stalking include:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Depression
- Nervousness
- Isolation
Cyber-stalking: threatening behaviors and unwanted advances directed from one individual to another over the Internet and other online and computer communications. Cyberstalking can take forms such as:
- Threatening/obscene email
- Live chat harassment or flaming (online verbal abuse)
- Tracing victim's computer and internet activity
- Can include off-line stalking/harassment
Effects: Similar to those experienced with stalking.
