National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What defines stalking as per the legislation?

1. Being in proximity to a person without their knowledge

2. Observing a person from a safe distance once

3. Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted, Repeated behaviour

4. Any random act of following someone

The correct answer is: Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted, Repeated behaviour

Stalking is defined by a pattern of behavior that involves a fixated, obsessive, unwanted, and repeated set of actions directed towards an individual. This definition emphasizes the nature of the behavior rather than isolated incidents or mere proximity. Stalking typically includes a series of actions that can cause fear or concern for safety in the victim. The key elements of fixation and obsession highlight that stalking is not just an occasional act or a one-time incident; it is about the persistence and intensity of the behavior that crosses boundaries and violates personal space and autonomy. Thus, identifying stalking requires recognizing the cumulative impact of repeated unwanted behaviors rather than viewing any singular action in isolation. Other definitions lacking these critical components do not adequately cover the essence of stalking, which is rooted in a pattern of obsessive behavior rather than random or isolated acts, making the chosen answer the most accurate representation of how stalking is defined by legislation.