Which of the following best defines stalking?

The definition of stalking is best captured by the understanding of a course of conduct that causes fear or substantial emotional distress. This acknowledges that stalking is not limited to a single act but consists of repeated behaviors that, collectively, create a pattern that instills fear in the victim. Stalking typically involves actions that can be intrusive, unwanted, and often lead the targeted individual to feel threatened or distressed.

Understanding this definition helps in identifying stalking behaviors in various contexts, such as personal relationships or workplace environments. It encompasses a range of actions that go beyond mere annoyance or conflict, as they specifically aim to instill fear or emotional disturbance in the individual being targeted. This is crucial in legal and support frameworks, which often provide protections based on how the behavior affects the victim, rather than just the intent of the stalker.

In contrast, while monitoring someone's online behavior may suggest invasive actions, it lacks the element of repetitive conduct aimed at instilling fear. Threatening communication or persistent messaging may indicate problematic interactions but do not necessarily encapsulate the broader definition of stalking, which is about the cumulative impact on the victim’s emotional wellbeing.