How does Louisiana law define "harassment"?

Louisiana law defines "harassment" specifically as repetitive unwanted contact that causes distress to an individual. This definition emphasizes the persistent nature of the behavior, which distinguishes harassment from other forms of communication. Harassment typically involves a pattern of behavior that extends beyond a single incident and has a significant impact on the targeted individual’s emotional well-being.

This context is important, as it clarifies that a one-time verbal insult does not meet the threshold for harassment, as standalone remarks may not carry the same severity or distressing cumulative effect. Additionally, while acts of physical violence are serious and can overlap with harassment in some contexts, they represent a different legal category that may involve criminal charges rather than being defined solely as harassment. Therefore, the focus on repetitive contact underscores the ongoing and distressing nature of harassment, making this option the most accurate representation of the legal definition in Louisiana.