How many separate occasions must cyberstalking occur?

The correct response is that cyberstalking must occur on at least two separate occasions to meet the legal definition of the offense. This requirement emphasizes the repetitive nature of stalking behaviors, distinguishing them from a one-time incident. The rationale behind this is to illustrate a pattern of behavior that causes fear or emotional distress to the victim over time, rather than a single act that may not reflect a persistent intent to harass or intimidate.

The law aims to capture a continuous threat rather than an isolated incident, which helps authorities take appropriate actions and provides a clearer basis for prosecution. In Illinois, for example, the law requires evidence of two or more distinct acts of cyberstalking to establish a case and to help prevent misinterpretation of the behavior as just an isolated disagreement or conflict.