What constitutes stalking in legal terms?

In legal terms, stalking is defined as unwanted and repeated attention towards a person, which can create a sense of fear or distress for the victim. This behavior goes beyond a single incident and involves a pattern of conduct that invades the victim’s privacy and personal space. The repetitive nature of the actions is a critical component that distinguishes stalking from other behaviors, such as harassment or a one-time incident, which might not carry the same legal implications.

Stalking can include various forms of unwanted behavior, such as consistent phone calls, following someone, sending unwanted messages, or even monitoring someone's online activities. However, it's the continuation and escalation of such behaviors that solidify the classification as stalking. Understanding the nuances of these behaviors is essential in identifying and addressing such situations legally and appropriately.