What action constitutes aggravated stalking?

Aggravated stalking involves not only the act of stalking itself but also a component that escalates the severity of the behavior, such as violating legal protections placed for the victim. When an individual violates a protective order, they are disregarding a legal directive meant to ensure the safety and well-being of another person. A protective order is often issued by the court to prevent contact or to limit the behavior of an individual who has demonstrated dangerous or threatening behavior. Therefore, violating such an order constitutes aggravated stalking because it indicates a blatant disregard for the victim's personal safety as recognized by the legal system and signifies that the stalker is escalating their actions against the victim.

The other options, while concerning behaviors, do not capture the legal ramifications implied by aggravated stalking. Following someone without their knowledge or repeatedly watching someone from a distance can indicate stalking behavior but do not necessarily align with aggravated stalking unless they are accompanied by further illegal actions. Similarly, sending multiple texts to an acquaintance may raise concerns if it becomes harassment, but lacks the crucial element of violating a court's protective order that elevates a situation to aggravated stalking.