Voices Unhidden Laws and Resources

Laws & Resources

Technology-facilitated harassment and stalking (TFHS) often exists in the gray area of the law.

Many survivors experience repeated digital monitoring, fixation, intimidation, impersonation, or pattern-based harassment that causes real harm, yet does not always fit neatly into a single legal category. As a result, harmful conduct may be minimized, misunderstood, or left unaddressed until it escalates further.

Pattern-Based Behavior

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Technology-facilitated harassment and stalking often develops through repeated behavior over time rather than a single isolated incident, which can make legal recognition and response more difficult.

Indirect Digital Conduct

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Monitoring, fixation, impersonation, indirect intimidation, and coordinated online targeting may not involve direct contact, yet can still create substantial harm, fear, and disruption.

Thresholds for Action

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Many legal systems still require overt threats, clear escalation, or conduct that neatly fits an existing statute before intervention occurs, even when the ongoing pattern is already causing harm.

Legal Classification Gaps

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TFHS behavior may fall across harassment, stalking, impersonation, privacy, or threat-related laws without fitting cleanly into any single category, leaving harmful conduct in a gray area of the law.

Criminal Law

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Criminal statutes may apply in cases involving threats, stalking, or harassment. However, many forms of technology-facilitated harassment and stalking do not immediately meet the legal thresholds required for enforcement.

Civil Remedies

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Civil options such as protective orders or lawsuits may be available, but they often require substantial documentation, legal knowledge, financial resources, and time to pursue effectively.

Platform Enforcement

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Social media and digital platforms may provide reporting tools, but enforcement is inconsistent and often fails to account for repeated patterns of targeting, monitoring, or coordinated digital harm.

Jurisdiction Challenges

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Technology-facilitated harassment and stalking often crosses state or geographic boundaries, creating challenges in determining where conduct occurred, which laws apply, and where legal action can be taken.

Important Information

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. Laws vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. Technology-facilitated harassment and stalking cases are often complex and may require professional evaluation.

Voices Unhidden does not provide legal advice, medical advice, or mental health treatment. Individuals are encouraged to consult qualified professionals regarding their specific situation.

U.S. Laws by State

State laws addressing online harassment, cyberstalking, impersonation, and technology-facilitated abuse vary significantly by jurisdiction.

The information in this section is intended to help readers locate publicly available statutes and understand how different states address digital harassment and related offenses.

Note: Laws change frequently and may be interpreted differently across jurisdictions. This page will continue to be updated as verified information becomes available.

Alaska

Stalking – First Degree
Alaska Stat. § 11.41.260. A person commits stalking in the first degree when they violate the second-degree stalking statute and aggravating factors are present, such as violating a court order, targeting a minor, possessing a deadly weapon, or having prior stalking convictions.

Stalking – Second Degree
Alaska Stat. § 11.41.270. Occurs when a person knowingly engages in a course of conduct that recklessly places another person, or a family member, in fear of death or physical injury.

Nonconsensual Contact
Defined as repeated acts such as following, approaching, contacting by phone or electronic communication, sending mail, delivering objects, or using technological means to monitor another person.

Harassment / Bullying Policy
Alaska Stat. § 14.33.200 requires school districts to adopt policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students.

View Official Alaska Statutes →

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Arkansas

Stalking – First Degree
Arkansas Code § 5-71-229.
A person commits stalking in the first degree if they purposely engage in a course of conduct that harasses another person and makes a credible threat that places the victim in fear of death or serious bodily injury.

Stalking – Second Degree
Arkansas Code § 5-71-229(b).
Occurs when a person knowingly engages in conduct that harasses another individual and places them in reasonable fear for their safety or the safety of an immediate family member.

Harassing Communications
Arkansas Code § 5-71-209.
Prohibits repeated electronic communications, phone calls, or messages intended to harass, threaten, alarm, or annoy another person.

Electronic Harassment
Arkansas law recognizes harassment conducted through electronic communication as part of stalking and harassment offenses.

View Official Arkansas Statutes →

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Alabama

Stalking – First Degree
Alabama Code §13A-6-90. A person commits first-degree stalking when they intentionally and repeatedly follow or harass another person and make a credible threat that places the victim in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily harm.

Stalking – Second Degree
Alabama Code §13A-6-90.1. Occurs when a person intentionally follows or harasses another person and engages in a course of conduct that causes emotional distress or fear.

Harassing Communications
Alabama Code §13A-11-8. Covers repeated electronic, phone, or written communications intended to harass, alarm, or threaten another person.

View Official Alabama Statutes →

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California

Stalking
California Penal Code § 646.9.
A person commits stalking when they willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow or harass another person and make a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for their safety or the safety of their immediate family.

Electronic Harassment / Cyber Harassment
California law recognizes stalking conducted through electronic communications, online monitoring, and other digital means as part of a course of conduct that may qualify as stalking.

Annoying or Harassing Communications
California Penal Code § 653m.
Prohibits repeated phone calls or electronic communications intended to annoy, threaten, or harass another person.

Protection Orders
California allows victims of stalking or harassment to seek restraining orders through civil courts to prohibit further contact.

View Official California Statutes →

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Colorado

Stalking
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-602.
A person commits stalking if they repeatedly follow, approach, contact, or monitor another person in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to suffer serious emotional distress and does cause such distress. Stalking may include repeated electronic communications or online monitoring.

Harassment
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-111.
Includes repeated communications intended to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person, including by telephone, computer, or other electronic means.

Cyberstalking / Electronic Contact
Colorado law recognizes that electronic communications and online behavior can be part of a stalking course of conduct when it causes fear, intimidation, or substantial emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims of stalking or harassment may seek civil protection orders to prohibit further contact or communication.

View Official Colorado Statutes →

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Connecticut

Stalking – First Degree
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-181c.
Occurs when a person commits stalking and has previously been convicted of stalking, violates a court order, or targets a victim under aggravating circumstances.

Stalking – Second Degree
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-181d.
A person is guilty when they knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their physical safety.

Stalking – Third Degree
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-181e.
Occurs when a person repeatedly follows, lies in wait, monitors, or communicates with another person in a way that causes fear or emotional distress.

Harassment – Electronic Communications
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-183.
Includes repeated phone calls, electronic messages, or digital communications intended to harass, annoy, alarm, or threaten another person.

View Official Connecticut Statutes →

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Delaware

Stalking
Delaware Code Title 11 § 1312.
A person commits stalking when they intentionally engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Aggravated Stalking
Delaware Code Title 11 § 1312A.
Occurs when stalking involves aggravating factors such as violation of a protective order, prior stalking convictions, or conduct that places the victim in heightened fear of physical harm.

Harassment
Delaware Code Title 11 § 1311.
Includes repeated communications, threats, or conduct intended to harass, annoy, alarm, or cause emotional distress.

Electronic Communication Harassment
Delaware law recognizes electronic messages, phone calls, and online communication as part of harassment or stalking when used to repeatedly target or intimidate another person.

View Official Delaware Statutes →

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Florida

Stalking
Florida Statutes § 784.048.
A person commits stalking when they willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow, harass, or cyberstalk another person.

Cyberstalking
Florida law defines cyberstalking as engaging in a course of conduct to communicate, or cause to be communicated, words, images, or language through electronic mail or electronic communication directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress.

Aggravated Stalking
Occurs when stalking includes a credible threat of violence, violates a protective order, or targets a minor under certain circumstances.

Harassing Communications
Repeated electronic communications intended to harass or intimidate may fall under Florida stalking or harassment statutes.

View Official Florida Statutes →

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Georgia

Stalking
Georgia Code § 16-5-90.
A person commits stalking when they follow, place under surveillance, or contact another person without consent for the purpose of harassing or intimidating them.

Aggravated Stalking
Georgia Code § 16-5-91.
Occurs when stalking behavior violates a court order such as a restraining order, protective order, bond condition, or injunction.

Harassing Communications
Georgia Code § 16-11-39.1.
Prohibits repeated electronic communications, messages, or contact intended to harass, threaten, intimidate, or abuse another person.

Electronic Contact
Georgia stalking laws recognize that harassment conducted through electronic communication can constitute stalking when part of a course of conduct.

View Official Georgia Statutes →

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Hawaii

Stalking
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 711-1106.5.
A person commits stalking if they intentionally or knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at another person that causes the victim to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Aggravated Harassment
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 711-1106.
Includes repeated communications or conduct intended to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person.

Electronic Harassment
Hawaii law recognizes that repeated electronic communications or digital contact may constitute harassment or stalking when they are part of a pattern of conduct that causes emotional distress or fear.

Protection Orders
Victims of stalking or harassment may seek protective orders through Hawaii courts to prohibit further contact or communication.

View Official Hawaii Statutes →

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Idaho

Stalking
Idaho Code § 18-7906.
A person commits stalking when they maliciously and repeatedly follow, monitor, or contact another person in a way that causes the victim to reasonably fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

First Degree Stalking
Idaho Code § 18-7905.
Occurs when stalking includes aggravating factors such as credible threats, prior stalking convictions, or conduct that places the victim in fear of death or serious bodily injury.

Harassment / Malicious Contact
Idaho law recognizes repeated unwanted communication, including electronic communication, as part of conduct that may constitute stalking or harassment.

Protection Orders
Victims of stalking or harassment may seek civil protection orders through Idaho courts to prohibit further contact.

View Official Idaho Statutes →

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Illinois

Stalking
720 ILCS 5/12-7.3.
A person commits stalking when they knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes the victim to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress.

Cyberstalking
720 ILCS 5/12-7.5.
Cyberstalking occurs when someone uses electronic communication — including social media, messaging, or online monitoring — to harass, threaten, or cause emotional distress to another person as part of a course of conduct.

Aggravated Stalking
720 ILCS 5/12-7.4.
Aggravated stalking includes violations of protective orders, prior stalking convictions, or conduct involving threats or weapon possession.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek Orders of Protection or Stalking No Contact Orders through Illinois courts to prohibit further contact or harassment.

View Official Illinois Statutes →

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Indiana

Stalking
Indiana Code § 35-45-10-5.
A person commits stalking when they knowingly or intentionally engage in a course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened.

Harassment
Indiana Code § 35-45-2-2.
Includes repeated or continuing communication intended to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, including electronic communication.

Invasion of Privacy
Indiana Code § 35-46-1-15.1.
Occurs when a person knowingly violates a protective order, restraining order, or no-contact order.

Protection Orders
Victims of stalking or harassment may seek civil protection orders under Indiana’s Civil Protection Order Act to prohibit further contact.

View Official Indiana Statutes →

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Iowa

Stalking
Iowa Code § 708.11
A person commits stalking when they engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury or death, or to suffer emotional distress.

Harassment
Iowa Code § 708.7
Harassment includes communication intended to threaten, intimidate, or alarm another person. This may include repeated electronic communication such as messages, emails, or online contact.

Aggravated Stalking
Penalties increase when stalking includes credible threats, prior stalking convictions, or violations of a protective order.

Protective Orders
Victims of stalking or harassment may seek protective orders through Iowa courts to prohibit further contact.

View Official Iowa Statutes →

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Kansas

Stalking
K.S.A. 21-5427.
Kansas defines stalking as a course of conduct targeted at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of an immediate family member, and the targeted person is actually placed in that fear.

Cyberstalking / Electronic Contact
Kansas stalking law can apply when the course of conduct includes repeated electronic or digital contact that contributes to fear, harassment, or intimidation.

Harassment by Telecommunications Device
K.S.A. 21-6206.
Covers using a telecommunications device to make obscene, threatening, or repeated unwanted communications with intent to abuse, threaten, or harass another person.

Protection from Stalking
Kansas also provides civil protection order remedies for stalking victims through its protection-from-stalking framework.

View Official Kansas Statutes →

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Kentucky

Stalking
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 508.130 – § 508.150.
A person commits stalking when they intentionally engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, intimidates, or harasses the person and serves no legitimate purpose.

First-Degree Stalking
KRS § 508.140.
Occurs when stalking involves a credible threat, use of a weapon, violation of a protective order, or prior stalking convictions.

Second-Degree Stalking
KRS § 508.150.
Occurs when a person repeatedly follows, monitors, or communicates with another person in a way that causes fear or emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through Kentucky courts to prevent further harassment, stalking, or contact.

View Official Kentucky Statutes →

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Louisiana

Stalking
Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:40.2.
Stalking occurs when a person intentionally and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and causes the victim to feel alarmed, threatened, or emotionally distressed.

Cyberstalking
Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:40.3.
Cyberstalking involves the use of electronic communication — including social media, messaging, or other online platforms — to threaten, harass, or repeatedly contact another person in a way that causes emotional distress.

Harassing Communications
Louisiana law also recognizes repeated unwanted electronic communications intended to harass or alarm another person as criminal conduct.

Protective Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through Louisiana courts to prevent further stalking, harassment, or contact.

View Official Louisiana Statutes →

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Maine

Stalking
Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A § 210-A.
A person commits stalking when they intentionally or knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, threatened, harassed, or fearful for their safety.

Harassment
Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A § 506-A.
Harassment includes repeated communications or conduct intended to threaten, intimidate, or alarm another person, including electronic communication.

Violation of Protective Order
Maine law makes it a criminal offense to violate a protection from harassment order or protection from abuse order.

Protection Orders
Victims may request Protection From Harassment Orders or Protection From Abuse Orders through Maine courts to prevent further contact.

View Official Maine Statutes →

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Maryland

Stalking
Maryland Criminal Law § 3-802.
A person may not maliciously engage in a course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another person where the person intends to place or knows or reasonably should know the conduct would place another in reasonable fear of serious bodily injury, assault, rape, or death.

Harassment
Maryland Criminal Law § 3-803.
A person may not follow another in or about a public place or maliciously engage in a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys another person with the intent to harass, alarm, or annoy.

Misuse of Electronic Communication
Maryland Criminal Law § 3-805.
Prohibits electronic communications made with the intent to harass, threaten, or abuse another person.

Protective Orders / Peace Orders
Victims may seek Peace Orders or Protective Orders through Maryland courts to prohibit further harassment, stalking, or contact.

View Official Maryland Statutes →

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Massachusetts

Stalking
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265 § 43.
A person commits stalking when they willfully and maliciously engage in a knowing pattern of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress.

Criminal Harassment
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265 § 43A.
Criminal harassment involves a pattern of conduct or series of acts directed at a specific person that seriously alarms or annoys the victim and causes substantial emotional distress.

Harassing Communications
Massachusetts law recognizes repeated communications, including electronic communication, intended to harass or alarm another person as part of criminal harassment.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek harassment prevention orders or abuse prevention orders through Massachusetts courts to prohibit further contact.

View Official Massachusetts Statutes →

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Michigan

Stalking
Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411h.
A person commits stalking when they engage in a course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.

Aggravated Stalking
Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.411i.
Aggravated stalking occurs when stalking behavior involves credible threats, violations of restraining or protective orders, prior stalking convictions, or other aggravating circumstances.

Harassing Communications
Michigan law recognizes repeated unwanted communication, including electronic communication and online contact, as part of stalking or harassment when it forms a pattern of conduct causing emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) through Michigan courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or unwanted contact.

View Official Michigan Statutes →

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Minnesota

Stalking / Harassment
Minnesota Statutes § 609.749.
A person commits harassment or stalking when they engage in repeated incidents of intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures that have a substantial adverse effect on the safety, security, or privacy of another person.

Electronic Harassment
Minnesota law specifically includes electronic communications such as messages, social media contact, or other online conduct when used repeatedly to harass, threaten, or intimidate another person.

Aggravating Factors
Enhanced penalties may apply when the conduct includes threats of violence, prior harassment convictions, or violations of protective orders.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs) through Minnesota courts to prohibit further contact, communication, or harassment.

View Official Minnesota Statutes →

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Mississippi

Stalking
Mississippi Code § 97-3-107.
A person commits stalking when they willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow or harass another person and make a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death, great bodily injury, or harm.

Cyberstalking
Mississippi Code § 97-45-15.
Cyberstalking occurs when a person uses electronic communication, including the internet, email, messaging, or social media, to threaten, harass, or intimidate another person.

Harassing Communications
Mississippi law also prohibits electronic communications intended to frighten, intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through Mississippi courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or unwanted contact.

View Official Mississippi Statutes →

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Missouri

Stalking
Missouri Revised Statutes § 565.225.
A person commits the offense of stalking when they purposely and repeatedly engage in an unwanted course of conduct directed at another person that causes that person to reasonably fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Harassment
Missouri Revised Statutes § 565.090.
Harassment includes repeated unwanted communication, including electronic communication, intended to frighten, intimidate, or emotionally disturb another person.

Aggravated Stalking
Missouri law provides enhanced penalties when stalking behavior involves credible threats, violations of protective orders, or prior stalking convictions.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek orders of protection through Missouri courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or contact.

View Official Missouri Statutes →

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Montana

Stalking
Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-220.
A person commits stalking when they purposely or knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Partner or Family Member Assault
Montana Code Annotated § 45-5-206.
Certain stalking or harassment conduct involving family or intimate partners may fall under partner or family member assault statutes.

Electronic Communications
Montana law recognizes repeated electronic communication or online contact as part of a stalking course of conduct when it causes fear or substantial emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek orders of protection through Montana courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Montana Statutes →

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Nebraska

Stalking
Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-311.03.
A person commits stalking when they purposely and repeatedly harass or follow another person with the intent to injure, terrify, threaten, or intimidate that person, causing them to feel fear or emotional distress.

Harassment
Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-311.02.
Harassment includes repeated conduct or communication intended to threaten, intimidate, alarm, or annoy another person.

Electronic Harassment
Nebraska law recognizes electronic communications such as messages, emails, or social media contact as part of harassment or stalking when used repeatedly to intimidate or threaten.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek harassment protection orders through Nebraska courts to prohibit further contact, stalking, or harassment.

View Official Nebraska Statutes →

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Nevada

Stalking
Nevada Revised Statutes § 200.575.
A person commits stalking when they willfully or maliciously engage in a course of conduct directed at another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or harassed.

Aggravated Stalking
Nevada Revised Statutes § 200.575(2).
Aggravated stalking occurs when stalking behavior includes credible threats that place a person in reasonable fear of death or substantial bodily harm.

Harassing Communications
Nevada law recognizes repeated unwanted communications, including electronic communication and online contact, as part of stalking or harassment when they form a pattern of conduct causing fear or emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protection orders through Nevada courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Nevada Statutes →

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New Hampshire

Stalking
New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 633:3-a.
A person commits stalking when they purposely, knowingly, or recklessly engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress.

Criminal Threatening / Harassment
New Hampshire law also addresses threatening or repeated communications intended to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, including electronic communications.

Electronic Communications
Repeated online contact, messaging, or digital communication may be considered part of a stalking course of conduct when it causes fear or emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through New Hampshire courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or unwanted contact.

View Official New Hampshire Statutes →

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New Jersey

Stalking
New Jersey Statutes § 2C:12-10.
A person commits stalking when they purposely or knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress.

Cyber-Harassment
New Jersey Statutes § 2C:33-4.1.
Cyber-harassment occurs when a person uses electronic communication or social media to threaten, harass, or emotionally harm another person.

Harassment
New Jersey Statutes § 2C:33-4.
Harassment includes communications made with the purpose to harass, alarm, or seriously annoy another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek restraining orders under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act or pursue other court protections to stop harassment or stalking.

View Official New Jersey Statutes →

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New Mexico

Stalking
New Mexico Statutes § 30-3A-3.
A person commits stalking when they knowingly pursue a pattern of conduct intended to place another person in reasonable apprehension of death, bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement, or restraint.

Harassment
New Mexico Statutes § 30-3A-2.
Harassment occurs when a person knowingly pursues a pattern of conduct intended to annoy, seriously alarm, or terrorize another person and which serves no lawful purpose.

Electronic Communications
New Mexico law recognizes repeated electronic communication, including online messaging or digital contact, as part of harassment or stalking when it forms a pattern of conduct causing fear or emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through New Mexico courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or unwanted contact.

View Official New Mexico Statutes →

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New York

Stalking
New York Penal Law §§ 120.45–120.60.
New York law defines stalking as intentionally engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes fear of physical harm, emotional distress, or reasonable fear for safety.

Aggravated Harassment
New York Penal Law § 240.30.
A person commits aggravated harassment when they communicate with another person by telephone, electronic communication, or other means with intent to harass, threaten, or alarm.

Cyberstalking / Electronic Harassment
New York law recognizes repeated electronic communication, online monitoring, or digital contact as conduct that may qualify as stalking or harassment when it forms part of a pattern of threatening or distressing behavior.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek orders of protection through New York courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or contact.

View Official New York Statutes →

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North Carolina

Stalking
North Carolina General Statutes § 14-277.3A.
A person commits stalking when they willfully engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes that person to reasonably fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Cyberstalking
North Carolina General Statutes § 14-196.3.
Cyberstalking occurs when a person uses electronic communication, including the internet or social media, to threaten, harass, or repeatedly contact another person in a way that causes fear or emotional distress.

Harassing Communications
North Carolina law prohibits electronic communication made with the intent to threaten, abuse, or harass another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through North Carolina courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official North Carolina Statutes →

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North Dakota

Stalking
North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-17-07.1.
A person commits stalking when they intentionally engage in a course of conduct directed at another person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Harassment
North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-17-07.
Harassment includes repeated acts, communication, or conduct intended to frighten, intimidate, threaten, or abuse another person.

Electronic Communications
North Dakota law recognizes repeated electronic communication or online contact as part of harassment or stalking when it forms a pattern of threatening or distressing conduct.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek disorderly conduct restraining orders through North Dakota courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or unwanted contact.

View Official North Dakota Statutes →

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Ohio

Menacing by Stalking
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.211.
A person commits menacing by stalking when they engage in a pattern of conduct that knowingly causes another person to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress.

Telecommunications Harassment
Ohio Revised Code § 2917.21.
Harassment includes making telecommunications or electronic communications with the intent to abuse, threaten, annoy, or harass another person.

Electronic Monitoring / Online Conduct
Ohio law recognizes repeated electronic communications or online monitoring as part of a stalking pattern of conduct when it causes fear or mental distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek civil stalking protection orders (CSPO) through Ohio courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Ohio Statutes →

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Oklahoma

Stalking
Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 1173.
A person commits stalking when they willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow or harass another person and make a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for their safety or the safety of their immediate family.

Harassing Communications
Oklahoma law prohibits repeated communications made with the intent to frighten, intimidate, threaten, or harass another person, including electronic communication.

Cyberstalking
Oklahoma recognizes the use of electronic communication or online platforms to repeatedly threaten, intimidate, or harass another person as part of stalking behavior.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through Oklahoma courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or contact.

View Official Oklahoma Statutes →

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Oregon

Stalking
Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.732.
A person commits stalking when they knowingly alarm or coerce another person by engaging in repeated and unwanted contact that causes the victim reasonable apprehension regarding their personal safety.

Telephonic / Electronic Harassment
Oregon law recognizes repeated unwanted communication, including telephone, electronic, or online contact, as part of conduct that may constitute harassment or stalking.

Cyberstalking / Online Conduct
Repeated electronic communication, online monitoring, or digital contact may be considered stalking when it forms a pattern of conduct that causes fear or emotional distress.

Protective Orders
Victims may seek Stalking Protective Orders (SPO) through Oregon courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or unwanted contact.

View Official Oregon Statutes →

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Pennsylvania

Stalking
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 2709.1.
A person commits stalking when they engage in a course of conduct or repeatedly commit acts toward another person that cause substantial emotional distress or place that person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or death.

Harassment
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 2709.
Harassment includes communication or repeated conduct intended to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, including electronic communication.

Cyber Harassment
Pennsylvania law recognizes electronic communication and online conduct as part of harassment or stalking when used repeatedly to threaten, intimidate, or cause emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders or other protective court orders to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Pennsylvania Statutes →

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Rhode Island

Stalking
Rhode Island General Laws § 11-59-2.
A person commits stalking when they knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Cyberstalking
Rhode Island General Laws § 11-52-4.2.
Cyberstalking occurs when a person uses electronic communication, including the internet or social media, to threaten, harass, or repeatedly contact another person in a manner that causes fear or emotional distress.

Harassing Communications
Rhode Island law also prohibits repeated communications made with the intent to threaten, abuse, or harass another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek restraining orders or protective orders through Rhode Island courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Rhode Island Statutes →

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South Carolina

Stalking
South Carolina Code § 16-3-1700.
A person commits stalking when they engage in a pattern of words, conduct, or communication directed at another person that causes the victim to reasonably fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress.

Harassment
South Carolina Code § 16-3-1700.
Harassment includes repeated communication or conduct intended to threaten, intimidate, or alarm another person.

Electronic Harassment
South Carolina law recognizes electronic communication, including online messages or digital contact, as part of a stalking or harassment pattern when used repeatedly to threaten or intimidate.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek restraining orders or orders of protection through South Carolina courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or unwanted contact.

View Official South Carolina Statutes →

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South Dakota

Stalking
South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-19A-1.
A person commits stalking when they willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow or harass another person and make a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury.

Harassment
South Dakota Codified Laws § 49-31-31.
Harassing communications include repeated telephone or electronic communication made with the intent to frighten, intimidate, or harass another person.

Electronic Communications
South Dakota law recognizes repeated electronic communication or online contact as conduct that may constitute harassment or stalking when used to threaten or intimidate another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protection orders through South Dakota courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official South Dakota Statutes →

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Tennessee

Stalking
Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-315.
A person commits stalking when they intentionally engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or suffer emotional distress.

Cyberstalking
Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-315(b).
Cyberstalking involves using electronic communication, including the internet, messaging, or social media, to repeatedly harass or threaten another person.

Harassment
Tennessee law also prohibits communication intended to frighten, intimidate, or emotionally distress another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek orders of protection through Tennessee courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Tennessee Statutes →

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Texas

Stalking
Texas Penal Code § 42.072.
A person commits stalking when they engage in a course of conduct directed at another person that the actor knows or reasonably should know will cause the victim to fear bodily injury, death, or feel harassed, annoyed, alarmed, abused, tormented, or embarrassed.

Harassment
Texas Penal Code § 42.07.
Harassment includes electronic communication intended to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass another person.

Online Harassment
Texas law recognizes electronic communications, including social media messages and other digital contact, as harassment when used repeatedly to threaten or intimidate another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through Texas courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Texas Statutes →

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Utah

Stalking
Utah Code § 76-5-106.5.
A person commits stalking when they intentionally or knowingly engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress.

Electronic Communication Harassment
Utah law recognizes electronic communication, including messages, emails, or online contact, as part of stalking or harassment when used repeatedly to threaten, intimidate, or cause emotional distress.

Harassment
Utah Code § 76-5-106.
Harassment includes repeated acts or communications intended to alarm, threaten, or intimidate another person.

Protective Orders
Victims may seek civil stalking injunctions or protective orders through Utah courts to prohibit further stalking, harassment, or contact.

View Official Utah Statutes →

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Vermont

Stalking
Vermont Statutes Title 13 § 1062.
A person commits stalking when they purposely engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Cyberstalking
Vermont Statutes Title 13 § 1063.
Cyberstalking occurs when electronic communication such as messages, emails, or online contact is used repeatedly to threaten, harass, or intimidate another person.

Harassment
Vermont law recognizes repeated unwanted communications intended to alarm, annoy, threaten, or intimidate another person as harassment.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek relief from abuse orders or stalking protection orders through Vermont courts to prohibit further harassment or stalking.

View Official Vermont Statutes →

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Virginia

Stalking
Virginia Code § 18.2-60.3.
A person commits stalking when they repeatedly engage in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or with knowledge that the conduct places, that person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury.

Harassing Communications
Virginia Code § 18.2-427.
Harassment includes communications made with the intent to threaten, intimidate, coerce, or harass another person, including electronic communication.

Electronic Harassment
Virginia law recognizes repeated electronic communication, including messaging, social media contact, or other digital communications, as harassment when used to threaten or intimidate another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through Virginia courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Virginia Statutes →

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Washington

Stalking
Revised Code of Washington § 9A.46.110.
A person commits stalking when they intentionally and repeatedly harass or follow another person and place that person in reasonable fear that the stalker intends to injure them or their property.

Cyberstalking
Revised Code of Washington § 9.61.260.
Cyberstalking occurs when a person uses electronic communication to threaten, harass, intimidate, or embarrass another person.

Harassment
Washington law prohibits repeated communication or conduct intended to threaten, intimidate, or alarm another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protection orders through Washington courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Washington Statutes →

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West Virginia

Stalking
West Virginia Code § 61-2-9a.
A person commits stalking when they repeatedly follow another person, place them under surveillance, or repeatedly harass another person and make a credible threat with the intent to place the victim in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury.

Harassment
West Virginia Code § 61-2-9a.
Harassment includes repeated acts or communications directed at another person with the intent to alarm, annoy, or threaten them.

Electronic Communications
West Virginia law recognizes electronic communication, including online messaging or digital contact, as conduct that may constitute harassment or stalking when used repeatedly to threaten or intimidate another person.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protective orders through West Virginia courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official West Virginia Statutes →

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Wisconsin

Stalking
Wisconsin Statutes § 940.32.
A person commits stalking when they intentionally engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury, death, or emotional distress.

Harassment
Wisconsin Statutes § 947.013.
Harassment includes striking, shoving, kicking, or otherwise subjecting another person to physical contact, or engaging in repeated acts intended to harass, intimidate, or abuse another person.

Electronic Communications
Wisconsin law recognizes repeated electronic communication or online contact as conduct that may constitute harassment or stalking when used to threaten, intimidate, or cause emotional distress.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek restraining orders or injunctions through Wisconsin courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Wisconsin Statutes →

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Wyoming

Stalking
Wyoming Statutes § 6-2-506.
A person commits stalking when they engage in a course of conduct directed at another person with the intent to harass that person and that conduct causes the victim to reasonably fear bodily injury or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Harassment
Wyoming law prohibits repeated conduct or communication intended to harass, intimidate, threaten, or alarm another person.

Electronic Communications
Repeated electronic communications, including online messages or digital contact, may constitute harassment or stalking when they form part of a pattern of threatening or distressing behavior.

Protection Orders
Victims may seek protection orders through Wyoming courts to prohibit stalking, harassment, or further contact.

View Official Wyoming Statutes →

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USA

United States Federal Law

Federal Cyberstalking Law
18 U.S.C. § 2261A.
Federal law prohibits using mail, electronic communication systems, or any facility of interstate commerce to engage in a course of conduct that causes substantial emotional distress or places another person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury.

Interstate Stalking
18 U.S.C. § 2261A(1).
It is a federal crime to travel across state lines or use interstate commerce with the intent to kill, injure, harass, intimidate, or surveil another person.

Electronic Surveillance and Harassment
Federal law specifically includes the use of the internet, social media, messaging platforms, email, or other digital communication tools as methods that may be used to commit cyberstalking.

Penalties
Violations of the federal cyberstalking statute may result in fines and imprisonment, with enhanced penalties when threats, serious bodily injury, or death occur.

View Federal Statute →

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Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
Guidance on documentation and responding to online abuse

National Domestic Violence Hotline Confidential support and information

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 emotional support resource