Stalking is generally a course conduct directed toward a specific person (or the person’s family, friends, or work associates) that would cause a reasonable person to be in fear of their safety, health, or well-being. Stalking includes (1) spying on a person; (2) waiting at a location to make unwanted contact with the victim, or to monitor the victim; (3) leaving unwanted items and gifts for the victim; and (4) posting or disseminating information or rumors about the victim on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth.

Stalkers may also use technology to harass their victim. Common forms of cyberstalking include:

• e-mail spoofing—sending e-mails pretending to be the victim

• text messaging and sexting (sending sexually explicit text messages or photos)

• social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)—creating social media accounts and posting statements to harass, threaten, or denigrate the victim, or to impersonate the victim on social media

• online impersonation of the victim through a false identity or account to place online sex ads or solicit sex

• use of GPS to track the victim, including placing a GPS device on the victim’s car.

Stalking is a crime under federal law (18 U.S.C. §2261A) and in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories, and many Indian Tribes. In addition to stalking laws, every state has laws addressing electronic harassment, and federal law also criminalizes the use of technology to stalk (18 U.S.C. §2261A(2)). Legal definitions for stalking and harassment vary from state to state and in the federal system—especially regarding the stalker’s intent and the nature of the victim’s fear or emotional distress caused by the stalking.

In Washington State, stalking is defined under RCW 9A.46.110 and is considered a serious criminal offense. Stalking behavior includes actions such as repeatedly following someone, monitoring their activities, showing up uninvited at their workplace or home, leaving unwanted gifts, and using electronic means to harass or frighten the victim. This can encompass cyberstalking activities like email spoofing, sexting, misuse of social media, online impersonation, and GPS tracking. The legal threshold for stalking is met when the conduct would cause a reasonable person to feel fear for their safety or the safety of their family or friends. Stalking can be charged as a gross misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, such as prior convictions or if a protection order was in place. Additionally, under federal law (18 U.S.C. §2261A), stalking is a crime, and the use of technology to stalk is specifically criminalized. The exact definitions and penalties for stalking and harassment can vary, but both state and federal laws provide a framework for legal action against stalkers.