What is Stalking?

In 1993, the offence of criminal harassment, also known as "stalking," was introduced in the Criminal Code of Canada.  Although criminal harassment can be directed to anyone, the legislation was mainly introduced as a response to violence against women, and in particular, spousal assaults against women (Department of Justice Canada 2004).

Stalking is a pattern of behaviour that makes you feel afraid, nervous, harassed, or in danger.  Stalking is when someone repeatedly contacts you, follows you, sends you things, talks to you when you do not want them to, or threatens you.

• calling you repeatedly; perhaps hanging up
• checking and monitoring your phone calls and/or your phone bills
• following you, tracking you through public records, online searching, or paid investigators
• suddenly showing up where you are, at home, school, work or at a social event
• repeatedly sending you disturbing unwanted e-mails, or instant messages
• sending you unwanted packages, cards, gifts, or letters
• monitoring your computer-use
• contacting your friends, family, co-workers, or neighbours to find out about you
• going through your garbage
• stealing things from you
• threatening to hurt you or your family, friends, or pets
• damaging your car, home or other property

What is cyberstalking

Cyberstalking refers to the use of the internet, email or another electronic communication device to stalk a person.  This is also deliberate, persistent, and personal, causing the person on the receiving end, to feel threatened and fearful.

Stalking of an intimate partner can take place at any time during or following a relationship, and often escalates into frightening and physically dangerous behaviour.  Because the stalker is unpredictable, if you are feeling frightened by someone's persistent stalking behaviour, you should consider informing the police.

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