What emotional response must stalking actions cause the victim?

The correct answer is based on the criteria that stalking actions must elicit a specific emotional impact on the victim, which is characterized by serious alarm or substantial emotional distress. Stalking is a criminal behavior that involves repeated harassment or threats that create a tangible fear in the victim. This fear can stem from the perceived threat to their safety or well-being due to the stalker's actions.

To qualify as stalking, the behavior must induce an intense emotional response, rather than a mild or vague feeling. General annoyance, confusion, or apathy do not adequately encompass the gravity of the emotional turmoil that victims of stalking typically experience. Victims often feel unsafe, anxious, and fearful for their personal safety, leading to substantial emotional distress that can significantly affect their daily lives. This heightened state of emotional distress is a crucial aspect of understanding legal definitions and the psychological impact of stalking on victims.