Which of the following actions best demonstrates Stalking?

The action that best demonstrates stalking is following and observing someone to instill fear. Stalking is characterized by repeated and unwanted attention or surveillance by an individual that causes the victim to feel afraid, threatened, or unsafe. This behavior often involves a pattern of harassment and can escalate over time, creating an ongoing sense of fear in the person being stalked.

Following and observing someone not only indicates a persistence in the unwanted attention but also a deliberate intent to cause distress or fear. This aligns with the legal definitions and common understanding of stalking behavior, which goes beyond mere acquaintance or social interactions and delves into actions that severely impact the victim's sense of safety and well-being. The emphasis on instilling fear is crucial, as that emotional impact is a defining element of stalking behavior.

In contrast, a single public confrontation does not meet the threshold for stalking, as it lacks the repetitive and intimidating nature typical of stalking behavior. An occasional text message can also fall short of this definition, especially if it does not convey threatening or harassing intentions. Lastly, making a complaint about someone's behavior is an action taken to address a situation rather than a demonstration of stalking behavior.