Stalking Resources

What is Stalking?

Stalking is a crime. It is not the victim’s fault.  The University of Illinois Student Code of Conduct defines stalking as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress. 

Context is key in cases of stalking.  An action that might seem normal or even sweet to one individual may be a source of alarm or fear for someone who is experiencing stalking.

EXAMPLES OF STALKING BEHAVIOR

Stalking can take many forms, including but not limited to:

  • Unwanted attentiveness
  • Monitoring a person's phone or computer use
  • Leaving unwanted gifts or other items
  • Following a person or showing up unexpectedly at their home or place of work
  • Damaging a person’s property
  • Repeated and unwanted contact by phone, text, letters, email or social media
  • Contacting a person's friends/family about their whereabouts or plans
  • Making other non-consensual attempts to contact someone
  • Exhibiting behaviors that harass or threaten a person
  • Other actions intended to control, track, or frighten a person

Ready to learn more about stalking on college campuses? Check out this webinar and this fact sheet from the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC).

18-24 Year Olds
experience stalking at the highest rates.
43%
of college stalking victims who meet the legal criteria for stalking do not identify their experience as 'stalking.'
92%
of students who experience stalking first tell their friends and family.
41%
of undergraduate students have experienced tech-facilitated stalking.

Source: SPARC "Stalking Among College Students: FACT Sheet"

 

Responding to Stalking

Most individuals who experience stalking talk to a friend or loved one they trust before pursuing any sort of professional or legal help. If someone shares they are being stalked, your response significantly impacts if they feel validated and/or seek help.

If you or someone you know is being stalked, it is important for the person experiencing the stalking to trust his/her/their instincts.  If someone shares their experience you can show support for stalking survivors through STRIVE.

 

S

 Start by believing. Don’t question or minimize what the survivor tells you. Remember context is key; something might seem minor to you but is part of a pattern to the survivor.

T

 Talk less, listen more. Even well-intentioned friends can accidentally blame victims. Avoid questions such as “why did you respond to that text message?” and focus on the stalker's behavior.

R

 Respect Survivors' Decisions Survivors may or may not want to take action. Respect their choices. Ask questions like, "How can I help you feel safer?"

I

 Inform survivors of resources Support the victim and share resources where they might seek help or to document the stalking.

V

 Validate survivors' responses Nothing the survivor did justifies the stalker’s behavior. — Remind them that this is not their fault.

E

 Empower with Empathy Stalking cases can last a long time, and your loved one’s reactions, wants, needs, and feelings might change over time.  Check in and be a source of support.  Ask how they feel safest being contacted.

 

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#ILLStopStalking

We all have a part to play in ending stalking.  Take a pledge to intervene in unsafe situations, support survivors, or end unhealthy behaviors and be a part of the movement to end stalking at Illinois.

Take the Pledge

 

 

Resources

Request an educational presentation about stalking

The Women's Resources Center offers two workshops by-request specific to the topic of stalking.  To learn more or submit a request for your class or organization, visit the WRC workshops page.

Stalking: Recognizing the Warning Signs is an introductory workshop adapted from a national curriculum for the UIUC community and is intended to provide a basic overview of stalking, focusing on exploring stalking behaviors, examining the contextual nature of this form of violence, and providing strategies for participants to get involved in building awareness and supporting survivors. Duration: 60 minutes Available Format(s): In person (preferred), Can be modified for virtual if absolutely necessary 

Cute or Creepy: Media's Normalization of Stalking Behaviors is an interactive workshop designed to explore the messages we've received about stalking behaviors from popular movies and TV shows and examine how these behaviors have contributed to the normalization of stalking behaviors in our culture. Building our critical media literacy skills will help us challenge harmful narratives and promote violence prevention within our communities. Duration: 60 minutes  Available Format(s): In person (preferred), Can be modified for virtual if absolutely necessary 

National Resources

Campus Resources

Community Resources

Tools & Safety Planning

SAFETY PLANNING

OTHER TOOLS