What is Stalking?

Stalking is a very serious matter and is defined by the California Penal Code as, "Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, of his or her immediate family." It is against the law in every state. Types of stalking include, but are not limited to: cyber stalking, continuous and unwanted phone calls and/or messages, physically following a person, and property destruction. The act of stalking can be a person's attempt to make their partner or ex-partner, acquaintance, or stranger feel threatened or in danger. If at first the stalking does not seem to pose a threat, keep in mind that it has the potential to escalate over time, and can become violent. Even if threats of harm are absent at first, stalking can still lead to psychological damage, physical assault, or murder.