Stalking is a pattern of behavior designed to cause fear and intimidation in the victim. Stalking may arise after ending a troubled relationship, or may develop without warning. Not all perpetrators are male and not all victims are female. Stalking may be perpetrated by a former spouse or romantic partner, an acquaintance or even a stranger. The majority of stalking cases end without violence, but some have turned deadly. Definition of StalkingEach state has set its own legal definition of stalking. In general, stalking may include such behaviors as unwanted communication; harassment and threats; appearing at the victim's workplace or school; following the victim; and perhaps vandalism, harming pets or other threatening behavior. Some states have recently expanded stalking definitions to include "cyber stalking," in which email, instant messengers and chat rooms are used to perpetrate stalking behaviors. It is generally necessary to establish a pattern of behavior in order to establish the crime of stalking. However, in many states as few as two instances are sufficient. Some states categorize stalking as a misdemeanor, others as a felony. Some use a sliding scale, with first or second offenses treated as misdemeanors and subsequent events as felonies. Types of StalkersStalkers are usually grouped into three categories: intimate partner stalkers, erotomania stalkers, and vengeful stalkers. |
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