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. It involves a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear for their safety or the safety of others, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. This behavior includes, but is not limited to, spying, waiting at locations to make unwanted contact or observe the victim, leaving unwanted items, and posting or spreading information about the victim online or in public. Cyberstalking is also recognized as a form of stalking in Washington and can involve email spoofing, text messaging, social media harassment, online impersonation, and the use of GPS tracking devices. Both stalking and cyberstalking are punishable under state law, and Washington has specific statutes that address electronic harassment (RCW 9.61.260). Additionally, stalking is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. §2261A, which also criminalizes the use of electronic means to stalk. The exact legal definitions and requirements for proving stalking can vary, but both state and federal laws aim to protect individuals from this invasive and potentially dangerous behavior.