Harassment in Canada has a legal definition

Harassment takes many shapes in Canada

Repeated unwanted contact, threats, stalking, and intimidation are all forms of criminal harassment. Understanding what qualifies helps you recognize when it's time to reach out for help. **Common forms of criminal harassment:** - Repeated texts, calls, or emails after being told to stop - Showing up uninvited at your home or workplace - Following or monitoring someone - Threats or intimidation **The legal threshold** Under the *Criminal Code of Canada*, criminal harassment requires a pattern of behaviour that causes the victim to reasonably fear for their safety. A single incident is rarely enough. > **Officer insight:** In our experience, most harassment complaints we responded to didn't start as criminal — they escalated over time due to repeated contact after the person was told to stop. That pattern is exactly what police and prosecutors look for. If you're documenting incidents, start early and include dates, screenshots, and witnesses. --- **Related: If police attend your home because of a harassment complaint, understand what they can and cannot do.** → [Do police need a warrant to come onto your property in Canada?](/do-police-need-warrant-your-property-canada) **Related: If you're being harassed and police detain you for questioning, know your rights.** → [Do you have to identify yourself to police in Canada?](/identify-yourself-police-canada)