The telephone survey defined stalking in as conduct directed at individuals that involved repeated physical proximity, unwanted communication, threats, fear, or a combination of these elements. Findings indicated 8 percent of women and 2 percent of men were stalked at least once in their lives. Most respondents experienced only one stalking episode, and most were stalked by someone they knew. Women were significantly more likely than men to be stalked by a spouse or intimate partner. About 87 percent of stalkers were men, and men stalked both women and other men. Stalking victims reported being followed, being spied on, receiving letters and telephone calls, and having their property vandalized. Stalkers did not always make credible threats against victims; rather, they tended to cause fear and sometimes threatened to kill the victim's pet. On average, women were 28 years of age and men were 31 years of age when stalking began. There was a clear link between stalking and other emotionally and physically abusive behavior. Approximately 50 percent of victims reported stalking to the police, and 25 percent obtained restraining orders. Perpetrators were charged with various offenses, not just stalking, and 80 percent of restraining orders were violated. Victims said stalking stopped for several reasons, such as the assailant moved away and the relationship ended.