Stalking

What is Stalking?

Stalking is the term used to describe specific repeated harassing or threatening behavior toward another person. A stalker can be a stranger or someone the victim knows including a partner, an ex-partner, or a family member. Laws vary by state, but stalking is generally considered to be any unwanted contact between a stalker and his/her victim which directly or indirectly communicates a threat or places the victim in fear. Anyone can be a victim of stalking. Stalkers can be former intimate partners, strangers, or acquaintances.

• Repeatedly following or spying on you
• Repeatedly calling your home and/or work
• Repeatedly sending unwanted e-mails, letters, faxes
• Leaving unwanted gifts or items for you to find
• Vandalizing or damaging your property
• Threatening you or someone close to you
• Repeatedly showing up for no legitimate purpose at places where you are

Many people believe stalking only happens to celebrities or between strangers. Stalking is a crime that can happen to anyone, and often victims know who their stalkers are. We understand that being a victim of stalking is terrifying, and stalking can interrupt your life at home, at work, and at school, and affect your relationships with your friends, family, and coworkers.You may feel afraid for your life and that you have no privacy or no place to turn. If the above experiences are part of your life, you can find help in your community.

If you live in New York City, Safe Horizon can provide in-person support to help you deal with stalking. To find out how to get help, go to Dealing with Stalking.

See our 2009 study about the effects of stalking on victims.