Stalking is repeated and unwanted contact that makes you feel afraid or harassed. It can be serious, often violent, can escalate over time and is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
A stalker might be someone you were close with or someone you don’t know very well. The majority of stalkers are current or former intimate partners.
Stalking can take a variety of forms including:
- Calling, texting or leaving voicemails even after you’ve asked them to stop
- Constantly checking in on you at home, work or school
- Accessing your email or social media accounts without your permission or knowledge
- Vandalizing your car or other property
- Monitoring your location or travel through your phone, an app, GPS or smart home device
- Showing up where you are, even when you haven’t shared your location with them
- Asking friends, family or co-workers for information about you or to tell you information about them
There is no one right or wrong way to feel if you are being stalked. Many people feel:
- Afraid of what will happen next
- Confused about who to trust
- Anxious, depressed or hopeless
- Overwhelmed with thoughts about the stalking or nightmares
- Stressed from dealing with the stalking behaviors
