Stalking

If you feel like you are being stalked or cyberstalked, it’s not your fault. Resources are available here.

What to do, how to help:

Believe the person

Stalking is not a joke, but a serious crime. Often people who experience stalking feel that no one will believe their story.

Respect privacy

Stalkers may try to access friends or family for information, so keep any information shared with you to yourself.

Let her or him know about stalking logs

By keeping a record of all the stalking behaviors, it can be easier to prosecute or take other action against a stalker.

Ask what else you can do

The survivor may just want to share her or his story, or may want support walking to and from class, or to and from her or his car and home to feel safe and comfortable.

Confronting a stalker – take caution

Though you may feel confrontation is the best approach, in many cases confrontation only encourages the stalker to continue or escalate her or his behavior. Involving authority figures such as the police will increase the chance that stalking will decrease or cease, and is a much safer option for confrontation.

Internet safety and cyberstalking

Activate two-factor authentication for your email and social media accounts. Use strong passwords and vary them. Social media platforms allow for blocking or limiting access for certain individuals. For more on this issue, see the National Stalking Resource Center.

For more information, go to Violence Prevention Office.