In North Carolina, acts constituting harassment are legally defined as persistent unwanted conduct causing emotional suffering, fear, or injury to another individual. Such conduct may manifest in various ways, including verbal utterances, physical actions, written communications, or electronic interactions.
The following behaviors may be deemed harassment under North Carolina statutes:
Unwelcome repetitive contact or threatening conduct, such as recurring phone communications, text messages, electronic mail, or in-person encounters; pursuit of an individual or appearing at their location without invitation; expressions suggesting violence or intimidation; employment of vulgar or menacing terminology.
Stalking is characterized by deliberate following or harassment of a person, resulting in reasonable apprehension regarding personal safety or substantial emotional distress. This category may encompass electronic stalking activities.
Electronic stalking involves the utilization of digital communication methods to: convey threats to an individual; engage in persistent unwanted messaging; or monitor a person’s whereabouts without proper authorization.
Workplace-related harassment refers to undesired conduct predicated upon protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, gender, or religious affiliation. It may encompass unwanted sexual advances, discriminatory remarks, or the creation of a hostile employment environment.
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual overtures, requests for sexual interactions, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This particularly applies to employment settings, educational institutions, or housing contexts.
Legal remedies available in North Carolina include: Protective directives, whereby affected parties may petition for civil non-contact orders (designated as 50C) or domestic violence protective orders (defined as 50B), contingent upon the relationship with the alleged perpetrator; and criminal prosecution, as harassment and stalking behaviors may result in misdemeanor or felony charges under applicable statutes.
