If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential help any time, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or VictimConnect at 1-855-484-2846.

Stalking: the terms you will hear

Updated September 2026 · 4 min read

Short answer

Stalking is a pattern of behavior aimed at a specific person that would make a reasonable person afraid. The exact legal definition differs by state, which is why an advocate or legal aid office is the best guide to your options.

The terms

  • Stalking: a pattern of unwanted contact, following or surveillance directed at one person that causes fear. It is a crime in every state, though definitions vary.
  • Harassment: unwanted conduct meant to annoy, alarm or distress. It can be part of stalking or a separate offense.
  • Cyberstalking: stalking carried out through phones, email, social media, tracking apps or other technology.
  • Doxxing: publishing someone's private information, such as a home address, to expose or threaten them.
  • Protective order: a court order that tells a person to stay away from you. Names and rules differ by state (restraining order, stalking order, no-contact order).
  • Safety plan: a personal plan, usually made with an advocate, for staying safe at home, at work and on the move.
  • Advocate: a trained person at a victim service program who helps with safety planning, reporting and legal options, usually for free.
  • Address confidentiality program: a state program that gives victims a substitute address to use on public records.

Take your home address off people-search sites

People-search sites publish home addresses, phone numbers and relatives for anyone to look up. Removing yours makes you harder to find. Safe Shepherd removes you and keeps watching for you to reappear.

Create a Free Account

Questions

Is stalking a crime?

Yes. Stalking is a crime under the laws of every US state and under federal law, though the exact definition differs.

Related

Sources: SPARC: stalking awareness and resources. Safe Shepherd is not affiliated with any government program or the organizations linked here.