FAQ about Stalking

courtesy of the state of NY

What is stalking?
Plain and simple, it's unwanted pursuit. Stalking is a crime. Some of the more common behaviors that come to mind include:

• Following/watching/spying on victims
• Standing outside victims' homes or bothering them at their workplaces
• Taking or vandalizing victims' mail or property
• Harming/threatening to harm/killing pets, and of course,
• Unwanted contact or communications through telephone/mail/page/e-mail to victims or their families, or any third parties with whom the victims are acquainted, including neighbors and co-workers. Even seemingly harmless behaviors such as sending flowers or gifts can be stalking, depending on the context.

What is the best way to deal with a stalker?

People who are being stalked (or think they might be), should try to become very aware of their surroundings. They should avoid all contact with the stalker and make no response to cards, letters, gifts, pleading, or phone calls. They should document everything - with the idea that they might be building a case against the stalker. They should let others know, especially trained law enforcement personnel. An Order of Protection should not be relied upon. It's a good idea to develop a personal safety plan. And people should always trust their instincts.

Is there a "typical" stalker?

Forensic psychologists and researchers have developed classification systems based on stalkers' behavior. In the field of domestic violence, our focus is on what's commonly referred to as "intimate partner" stalking. These stalkers are typically known as "the guys who just won't take 'no' for an answer." These stalkers do all sorts of things to maintain control over their victims, some of which are listed in the first question.
Other categories include "vengeful" (stalkers who are angry with their victims over some real or imagined slight and want to "get even" with them) and "delusional" (stalkers who believe that they are involved in a passionate love affair with the victim, even though they may have never met, e.g. "celebrity stalkers").

Is stalking dangerous?

Yes, extremely. The stalker is someone who is not willing to listen to anyone else and could choose to do anything to the victim. Stalking often occurs over an extended period of time and may result in serious physical and mental health consequences to the victim. Without a swift, strong, consistent criminal justice response, stalkers may feel justified in continuing and even escalating their behavior.

Is stalking a crime? Yes.