Stalking: a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, and/or contact directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. (DOJ)
According to the Source:
Repeated conduct toward another person including (but not limited to) willfully following and/or contacting someone verbally, in writing, by telephone, electronic media, a third party, or by any other means with the intent and/or effect of creating fear or emotional distress.
Stalking Statistics
- 18-24 year olds experience the highest rates of stalking.
- 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men will experience stalking in their lifetime.
- 80.3% of victims knew or had seen their stalker before.
- 83.1% of incidences were not reported to police.
- 93.4% of victims confided in someone that they were being stalked.
(National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, DOJ, National College Women Sexual Assault Victimization Survey)
Stalking Behaviors
- Follows you and shows up wherever you are
- Sends unwanted gifts, letters, cards, or emails
- Damages your home, car, or other property
- Uses technology to track and monitor you
- Drives by or hangs out at your home, class, or work
- Threatens to hurt you, your family, friends, or pets
- Stalks by proxy or makes third-party contact
- Finds out about you using public records or online searches
- Posts information or spreads rumors about you
- Other actions that control, track, or frighten you
(Stalking Resource Center)
Risk Reduction Techniques
- Be conscious of your information
- Don't give out passwords
- Don't loan devices to those you don't trust
- Be mindful of who has access to your phone location via apps
- Set clear boundaries
- Be clear and direct when making a “No Contact” statement
- “I do not want you calling me, showing up, or contacting me.”
- If stalking continues…
- Take screenshots of any unwanted calls or messages
- Keep an incident log
- Document any damage with photos
- Inform Title IX, law enforcement, or other resources
Safety Tips
- Have a phone nearby and memorize emergency numbers
- Treat all threats as legitimate
- Try varying your routine
- Try not to travel alone and stay in public places
- Get a new phone number
- Do not interact with the stalker past indicating “no contact”—it only reinforces their behavior
- Explore eligibility for protection orders
Download a safety app, such as, BSafe, Live Safe, Circle of Six, or Watch Over Me
Trauma From Stalking
- If someone is stalked they might experience…
- Fear of what the stalker might do
- Feel vulnerable, unsafe, and not know who to trust
- Feel anxious or depressed
- Experience stress
- Have trouble eating or sleeping
- Have flashbacks or disturbing thoughts
- Feel confused, frustrated, or isolated
How Can You Help?
- Educate yourself
- Know how to help a friend who may be in danger
- Always believe someone when they say they have been victimized
- Challenge jokes and statements that glorify violence and blame victims
- Get involved through:
- The Haven Project
- The Alice Paul House
- Student Organizations
Stalking Program
Contact haven-project@iup.edu to schedule a stalking program that will address stalking behaviors, tips for safety, safety apps, how to help, and resources for assistance.