Restraining Orders

Stalking is when someone repeatedly (at least 2 times) follows, monitors, surveils or threatens you, makes threats about you, or interferes with your property. These actions can be done directly or indirectly (through another person) and by using a device or through any other actions.¹ The stalker must know or should know that his/her actions would reasonably cause you to:

• fear for your safety or your family member’s safety; or
• suffer substantial emotional harm. This “substantial emotional harm” can be shown by:
  • your fear of unlawful sexual conduct, unlawful restraint, bodily injury, or death; or
  • significant changes that you have made in your actions or routines, including:
    • moving from your home;
    • changing your daily routes to and from work even though it causes a serious disruption in your life;
    • changing your job or your work schedule; or
    • losing a job or losing time from work.²

¹ VT ST 12 § 5131(1)(A)
² VT ST 12 § 5131(6)