Stalking
Stalking (from Middle English stalk: from Old English bestealcian; akin to Old English stelan to steal) is a legal term for repeated harassment or other forms of invasion of a person's privacy in a manner that causes fear to its target. Statutes vary between jurisdiction but may include such acts as:
- repeated physical following;
- unwanted contact (by letter or other means of communication);
- observing a person's actions closely for an extended period of time; or
- contacting family members, friends, or associates of a target inappropriately