District Of Columbia § 22-3132 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 22-3132 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-3132. Definitions.
22-3132For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
“Any device” means electronic, mechanical, digital or any other equipment, including: a camera, spycam, computer, spyware, microphone, audio or video recorder, global positioning system, electronic monitoring system, listening device, night-vision goggles, binoculars, telescope, or spyglass.
“Any means” includes the use of a telephone, mail, delivery service, e-mail, website, or other method of communication or any device.
“Communicating” means using oral or written language, photographs, pictures, signs, symbols, gestures, or other acts or objects that are intended to convey a message.
“Emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling;
“Financial injury” means the monetary costs, debts, or obligations incurred as a result of the stalking by the specific individual, member of the specific individual’s household, a person whose safety is threatened by the stalking, or a person who is financially responsible for the specific individual and includes:
The costs of replacing or repairing any property that was taken or damaged;
The costs of clearing the specific individual’s name or his or her credit, criminal, or any other official record;
Medical bills;
Relocation expenses;
Lost employment or wages; and
Attorney’s fees.
“Personal identifying information” shall have the same meaning as provided in .
“Specific individual” or “individual” means the victim or alleged victim of stalking.
“To engage in a course of conduct” means directly or indirectly, or through one or more third persons, in person or by any means, on 2 or more occasions, to:
Follow, monitor, place under surveillance, threaten, or communicate to or about another individual;
Interfere with, damage, take, or unlawfully enter an individual’s real or personal property or threaten or attempt to do so; or
Use another individual’s personal identifying information.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 22-3132
What does D.C. Code § 22-3132 cover?
Section 22-3132 ("Definitions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 22-3132?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 22-3132" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 22-3132 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.