National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What must a perpetrator know to constitute harassment?

1. That their actions are being recorded

2. That their behaviour causes distress

3. That the victim has reported them

4. That they are in public

The correct answer is: That their behaviour causes distress

To constitute harassment, the key aspect that a perpetrator must know is that their behavior causes distress to the victim. This understanding is central to harassment laws, which typically require intent or knowledge of the impact one’s actions may have on another individual. If the perpetrator is aware that their conduct is causing emotional or psychological harm to the victim, then the actions can be classified as harassment. The other options do not capture this essential element of understanding the distress caused. A perpetrator may not need to know if their actions are being recorded or whether the victim has reported them to be considered harassing behavior. Similarly, being in a public space does not absolve one from the responsibility of causing distress through their actions. The critical point revolves around the awareness of the impact on the victim, underscoring the importance of intention in harassment cases.