SLII Behaviors
Stalking includes a wide range of threatening and disturbing behaviors that can be classified into four categories: Surveillance, Life invasion, Intimidation, and Interference through sabotage or attack (SLII). These categories overlap and build on each other.
Victims of stalking rarely identify their victimization as stalking and are unlikely to use the word ‘stalking’ to describe what they’re experiencing. Research and practice show that officers should ask specific questions about stalking behaviors instead of simply asking if someone has been stalked/harassed.
Source: SPARC Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center
Surveillance is the most commonly identified stalking tactic and includes watching and gathering information about the victim, in-person or through technology.
Intimidation tactics must be considered within the context of the situation, with the totality of stalking behaviors and the victim and offender’s relationship and history in mind. Threats can be explicit or implicit. Things that may be innocuous in a different context may become menacing due to their repetitiveness or intrusiveness, or because of the history of violence in the relationship between stalker and victim.
Interference through sabotage or attack can affect everything from the victim’s reputation to their employment and/or physical safety. A common and significant consequence is victims losing financial and other resources, which can quickly spiral.
Life Invasion describes ways that the offender is showing up in the victim’s life without the victim’s consent, in public or private settings, and in person or through technology.