National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What is the significance of the term 'repeated' in the definition of harassment?

1. It must occur at least three times

2. It indicates an ongoing pattern of behaviour

3. It refers to one-time offences that were severe

4. It applies only to family disputes

The correct answer is: It indicates an ongoing pattern of behaviour

The term 'repeated' in the definition of harassment signifies that the behavior in question is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of an ongoing pattern. This understanding is crucial because harassment is characterized by a series of actions that create a hostile or intimidating environment for the victim. A single act, no matter how severe, would not typically meet the criteria for harassment, which is why this option accurately captures the essence of the term. The focus on an ongoing pattern also makes it clear that harassment often involves a cumulative effect on the victim, as repeated actions can intensify feelings of fear, anxiety, or distress. Recognizing this pattern is key in legal definitions of harassment, allowing for appropriate responses and interventions, rather than treating infrequent instances as harassment, which might undermine the seriousness of the behavior when viewed singularly. Other interpretations, such as requiring a minimum number of occurrences, referencing only severe single incidents, or limiting the context to family disputes, do not align with the broader understanding of harassment as an ongoing issue impacted by repeated behaviors.