The difference between stalking and harassment in Rhode Island is the pattern of conduct and the fear element. Stalking under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-2 requires willful, malicious, repeated following or harassing that causes the victim reasonable fear of bodily injury. Harassment is a broader category covering unwanted contact without necessarily requiring the fear element — including phone harassment, electronic harassment, and other annoying conduct. Stalking is generally more serious than simple harassment. Both charges can apply to the same incident if the conduct meets both definitions. Defense work often focuses on whether the conduct rises to stalking versus the lesser harassment level.
