Stalking: A course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear (-Stalking Resource Center)

Unlike other crimes, stalking is a series of actions that, when taken individually, may be perfectly legal.

Types of stalkers:

• Erotomania
  • Hold a delusional belief that they are loved by their target - usually a well-known person
• Love Obsession
  • No previous personal relationship
  • Want to live out their fantasy with the target
• Simple Obsession
  • Previous or current intimate partner
  • Rejection often triggers this form of stalking
  • Turn to threats and violence as means of power & control

What are the behaviors of a stalker?

• Calling repeatedly
• Voice/Text messages
• Waiting outside of residence hall
• Waiting outside of work
• Following target
• Sending letters (traditional mail or electronic)
• Sending gifts
• Instant messaging someone
• Using AIM or social networking to learn about target
• Taking pictures of target
• Befriending target’s friends

Why do people stalk?

• Rejection
• Obsession
• Power and Control
• Sexual Gratification (voyeurism)
• Planning to commit a crime (rapists)
• Because they can