New York Capital District Anti-Stalking Task Force

What is Stalking?


Unwanted pursuit. This is probably the best term to define stalking. There are many different behaviors that can be called stalking, but all share common features:
 they involve actions not wanted by the victim,
 they threaten or cause fear, discomfort or emotional harm to the victim,
 even in instances when the stalker does not intend to actually cause distress to his or her target.
New ways of stalking emerge frequently and no list can encompass them all, but stalking often includes some or all of these behaviors:

 •  Following or surveillance
 •  Inappropriate approaches and confrontations
 •  Appearing at a place of work or residence
 •  Unwanted telephone calls
 •  Threats
 •  Threats to family and friends
 •  Unwanted letters
 •  Unwanted or threatening gifts
 •  Unwanted pages or e-mail
 •  Damage to property
 •  Physical assault
 •  Sexual assault

NEW YORK STATE LAW   •    FEDERAL LAW   •    ALL STATES LAWS
Analysis of NY Law  •   Warning Signs   •  Internet Stalking   •  Facts   •   Effects