STALKING
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The Code of Virginia declares stalking has occurred when "any person who on more than one occasion engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or with the knowledge that the conduct places, that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to that other person or to that other person’s family or household member." The National Victim Center defines stalking as virtually any unwanted contact which directly or indirectly communicates a threat and places the victim in fear for him- or herself, or a family member. Stalking is a crime that can touch anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or geographical location. A stalker can be a former intimate partner, a coworker, an acquaintance, or, more rarely, a stranger. At least 1.4 million people are stalked annually.

Victims of stalking often experience a number of feelings and emotions, including extreme stress, rage, terror, an inability to trust, and depression. It is important to know that you are not going crazy. Unlike many crimes, such as property crimes or assault, stalking is an on-going offense; the emotions you may be experiencing are often a normal reaction to continuing victimization. As a victim of stalking, you may have numerous concerns. Here are some topics that may be of heightened importance.