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Abstract: 

Stalking was first criminalized in California in 1990. By 1999, all states had enacted laws making stalking a crime. The first few publicized cases of stalking were of celebrities who had crazed fans pursuing them. Such cases of celebrity stalking not only informed the legislative efforts but also the public. However, today we know that stalking victimization goes beyond celebrities and is happening every day in all kinds of communities. This article examines stalking, offers a practical working definition of stalking behavior that will be useful to counselors, advocates and investigators, surveys important research on the incidence and effects of stalking, and places the issue in context for practitioners working with law enforcement and the courts in protecting victims.

Keywords: Stalking

Affiliations:  1: University of Kentucky College of Medicine; 2: Stalking Resource Center.