Domestic Violence, Stalking, & Antistalking Legislation An Annual Report to Congress Under the Violence Against Women Act

Stalking is a distinctive form of criminal activity composed of a series of actions (rather than a single act) that taken individually might constitute legal behavior. In domestic situations, stalking typically occurs after the woman has attempted to leave the relationship. The man, unable to accept rejection, and unwilling to let the woman leave, begins to follow, threaten, harass, or assault her. The term "separation assault" has been coined to describe this behavior. This is the 1996 annual report providing information concerning the incidence of stalking and the effectiveness of State antistalking efforts and legislation.