What is stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or behavior directed at someone that causes them to feel afraid, unsafe, or harassed.
Stalking Myths & Facts:
-Stalking: Stalking Myth & Facts
Examples of what can be considered stalking:
- Repeated, unwanted calls, texts, or DMS.
- Showing up at your dorm, house, class or workplace uninvited.
- Following you or watching you from a distance.
- Using social media or technology to track you (like location sharing, fake accounts, GPS tracking).
- Sending unwanted gifts or notes.
- Spreading rumors or posting about you online.
- Having their friends follow, watch or harass you on their behalf.
Safety Tips if You or Someone You Know is Experiencing Stalking:
- Change your routes/ routine when going to class or work.
- Block/Report unwanted calls or accounts.
- Share your situation with a trusted friend/ roommate/family member so they ca support you.
- Keep you phone charged and always on you.
- Document everything-save texts, DMS, gifts, voicemails, or screenshots.
- Keep a “StalkingLog”: Stalking Incident & Behavior Log.
You do not have to report your experience to the University or other legal authorities o get support. Victim Advocates are here for you whether or not you choose to report. The choice is yours.
Support Measures
- Counseling & Victim Advocates: Free & confidential support is available through House of Ruth Hotline or through ULV CAPS
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Personalized Safety Plan: Work with a Victim Advocate to create strategies for navigating daly life more safely.
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Resource Navigation: Victim Advocates can walk you through available campus and community support, whether you decide to make a formal report, or not.
Reporting Measures:
If you decide to report to Title IX, Campus Safety or Law Enforcement, a Victim Advocate can accompany you and provide more information.
Protection
- Campus No Contact Orders: Title IX can help with ” No Contact” orders on campus. Contact ULV Title IX
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Community Restraining Orders: A Victim Advocate can help you file a restraining order. For more information, visit Restraining Order or visit House of Ruth
- Campus Safety: Report the stalking to Campus Safety, who can assist with safety escorts, documentation and immediate response. For more information, visit: Campus Safety
- Title IX: If filing a report through Title IC, their office can potentially offer additional supportive measures. Contact the Title IX office for more information.
Self-Care & Healing:
Healing after stalking isn’t on size-fits-all. Some days feel harder than others, and that’s okay. Small steps matter. Here a few ways students care for themselves:
- Talk it out- Vent to a trusted friend, meet with a counselor, or connect with a Victim Advocate.
- Rest & recharge- Take naps, keep a regular sleep schedule, give yourself permission for a slow day.
- Move your body- Go for a walk around campus, stretch, try yoga or meditation.
- Find calm- Journaling, playlists, or deep breathing can help when things feel heavy.
- Stay connected- Hang out with friends who make you feel safe and supported.
- Set boundaries- It’s okay to say “no” mute notifications, or step back from people who drain your energy.
You are not alone. Support is available whenever you need it
Additional Resources:
- SPARC : Stalking Prevention Awareness Resource Center
- National Domestic Violence Hotline : Stalking Safety Planning
- RAINN : Stalking Resources
- Los Angeles LGBT Center
- Grounding Techniques