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Legal Information: Missouri

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
January 1, 2024

What is the definition of stalking in Missouri?

For the purpose of getting an order of protection, stalking is defined as when any person purposely behaves two or more times in a way that:

  • serves no legitimate purpose; and
  • causes you, or someone else who lives with you, to reasonably fear that either you or someone who lives with you is in danger of being physically harmed.

The behaviors could include when a stalker does any of the following things, either directly, indirectly, or through another person (a third party):

  • follows you;
  • monitors, observes, or spies on (surveils) you; this includes if the stalker uses a device, such as a GPS tracker or other technology;
  • threatens you;
  • communicates with you using any action, method, or device; or
  • other similar behaviors.1

1 MO ST § 455.010(15)

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