Just six stages

The stalker shows signs of caring and affection, possibly sending/bringing gifts or other "loving" correspondence. In the context of a working relationship, they may be overly flirtatious, helpful, or kind.

The stalker is tracking the victim around known locations, in the context of work, school, or home, this may look different, or can involve all three. Additionally, it should be noted this can involve cyber surveillance and GPS monitoring.

*If you believe you are being surveilled or monitored, consider a PPO.

Stalkers may begin to communicate with their victim, if they do not already have  communication. This may involve telephone contact, cyber communication (email, social media), or physical approaches.

*Record all communication in a log.

Stalkers may send "unsettling gifts," such as dead flowers, animals, garbage, or bodily excrement. They may damage property, threaten or injure pets. Additionally, they may threaten the primary victim, or a secondary victim (family, friends, associates, etc.). This is potentially a credible threat of violence, aka a "Red flag," it should be seen as one, until it is determined not to be.

Stalkers may physically assault, sexually assault, kidnap, torture, rape, and even kill their intended victim, or a secondary victim, intentionally or unintentionally. This should be taken seriously. Warning signs are often apparent to witnesses and bystanders. Tell those in your circle to be vigilant.

If the target cannot access the primary victim, they may, as a last resort, turn to those who have been impeding their access; this may include family members, coworkers, and other associates. If any of these individuals requires a PPO, they should consider obtaining one on similar grounds. Do not hesitate to contact first responders, or remove yourself from known locations.