Which of the following is a characteristic of stalking?

Repeated harassment of the victim is a fundamental characteristic of stalking behavior. Stalking involves a pattern of unwanted, repetitive actions or communications directed at an individual, which instills a sense of fear or apprehension in the victim. This repeated harassment can manifest through various means, including following the victim, sending unwanted messages, or engaging in other intrusive behaviors that create distress.

The seriousness of stalking lies in its impact on the victim's emotional well-being, safety, and sense of autonomy. The legal definition of stalking often emphasizes the repeated nature of the behavior, making it clear that this is not a one-time incident but rather a continuing course of conduct that qualifies as stalking.

In contrast, the other options may not accurately represent the characteristics of stalking or may depict behaviors that are not necessarily unlawful or associated with the fear element that defines stalking. For instance, financial gain from stalking might align more closely with motivations behind certain criminal behaviors but does not define stalking itself. Threatening behavior without following lacks the continual harassment aspect typically found in stalking cases, and ghosting does not constitute stalking, as it involves a lack of communication rather than repeated attempts to engage with or harass someone.