Understanding Stalking: Recognizing Signs and Seeking Support
Stalking is a crime that the university and law enforcement take very seriously, both in its own right and because it can escalate into serious physical violence. It’s against the law in every state, and a federal crime when it happens across state lines. Research suggests that stalking victimization may be greater among college students than in the general population. In addition, many believe technology makes intimate partner violence and stalking more prevalent and more hidden.
Stalking Definition
Stalking means 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.
A course of conduct is defined as two or more acts, including but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
- What are common signs of stalking?
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Signs of stalking may include:
- Repeated and unwanted communications by phone, mail, email, text, social media, etc.
- Following or lying in wait at places such as home, school, work, or a place of recreation
- Repeatedly leaving or sending unwanted items or presents
- Making direct or indirect threats of harm against the victim, the victim's children, relatives, friends, or pets
- Damaging or threatening to damage the victim's property
- Harassment online
- Obtaining personal information about the victim by accessing public records and searching online, hiring private investigators, going through the victim's garbage, or contacting the victim's family and peers
- Does stalking need to involve a threat to do harm?
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No. Sometimes stalking behavior can appear outwardly friendly and unthreatening, such as showering the victim with gifts or flattering messages. However, regardless of the seemingly friendly nature of the behavior, continued unwanted communication or attention can eventually become intrusive and frightening. The context of the behavior is extremely important.
- Do unwanted texts or social media messages count?
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Yes, stalking can occur via technology. Stalking is sometimes dismissed when it is done through technology (cell phones, computers, networking sites, surveillance equipment, and so on), but the medium is not what matters. What matters is whether the repeated communication would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety, and the safety of others, or cause substantial emotional distress.
- What should I do if I or someone I know is being stalked?
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Being stalked can be frightening and stressful. We strongly urge you to be in contact with professionals who can help.
If you feel your immediate safety is at risk, please contact GW Police Department (202-994-6111) or your local law enforcement (911) for immediate assistance.
If you do not feel your immediate safety is at risk, the Title IX Office can help you assess the situation and make a safety plan. Please consider submitting an online report and a member of the Title IX Office will be in touch to schedule an intake with you so we can get you the support you need.
You should also consider preserving any evidence of the stalking behavior. This may include saving emails and voicemails; taking screenshots of text messages, call logs, and social media posts/messages; and creating a stalking behavior and incident log.