What is stalking?

Stalking is unwanted, repeated, and continuing contact which causes a person to feel fearful, threatened or harassed. Stalking is serious, sometimes violent, and can escalate over time.

Stalkers can be students, co-workers, supervisors, current or former intimate partners, family members, acquaintances or strangers

Stalking affects people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, social classes, ages and abilities.

Know the signs

Individuals who are being stalked may:

• Avoid academic, workplace or social settings where they may interact with the individual
• Disengage from projects they were very involved in
• Suddenly changing their social media usage or online visibility
• Suddenly change their routines
• Inquire as to who is going to be at an event
• Try to set boundaries that are repeatedly not respected

Stalkers may:

• Follow you and show up wherever you are
• Not respect your boundaries
• Send unwanted gifts, texts, emails or messages over social media
• Monitor your phone calls, texts, computer use, or social media accounts
• Use technology, like GPS or spyware apps, to track where you go
• Threaten to hurt you, your family, friends or pets
• Contact friends, family, roommates, or co-workers to learn more about you
• Post private information online or spread rumors about you

Supporting a friend of colleague

Many individuals turn to someone they trust when they need support. Your response when a friend or colleague shares with you that they are being stalked may impact whether they feel supported and choose to seek additional help. Please consider taking these steps when someone discloses to you:

• Validate: Believe them and thank them for sharing with you.
• Listen: Ask how you can help.
• Connect: Share with them that there are resources on campus to support them.
• Consult: Call SafeCampus to determine options or share any safety concerns.
• Self-care: Take care of yourself and be aware of your own feelings.

Stalking and Title IX

Stalking may be a form of sexual misconduct and a violation of Title IX.

• If you have experienced stalking, learn more about Title IX and additional campus resources, such as Confidential Advocates, by visiting the UW Sexual Assault Resources Page.
• If you are a UW student employee, staff or faculty member who has received a disclosure, visit our Title IX Response and Support Protocol page to learn what to do next.