Essential Facts To Know About Stalking, And What To Do If You’re A Victim
January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month, and the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) is dedicated to educating the campus community on identifying and reporting stalking behaviors. DPSS is home to the Special Victims Unit (SVU), which is a team of trauma-informed officers with specialized training who assist community members in dealing with interpersonal violence incidents, including stalking.
Stalking is a federally recognized crime that impacts millions of people every year. According to Michigan law, stalking is defined as “a willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another individual that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened and/or harassed.”
According to the Stalking Awareness Prevention and Resource Center (SPARC), stalkers may use a wide variety of tactics, including:
- Making unwanted phone calls.
- Approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim does not want them to.
- Following and watching the victim.
- Sending unwanted texts, photos, emails, and messages through social media.
- Sending unwanted gifts.
- Using technology to monitor, track, and/or spy on the victim.
Sadly, one in three women and one in six men will experience stalking at some point in their lifetime, also according to SPARC. More than half of all stalking victims reported that somebody stalked them before the age of 25.
Additionally, a vast majority of victims are stalked by either an acquaintance or a current or former intimate partner. Visit our Stalking safety page for more information and tips to learn how to establish boundaries and preserve stalking evidence.
It’s essential to note that stalking, in addition to being a crime, is strictly prohibited by the University of Michigan policy. Please visit the policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct to read more.
How can you report stalking?
DPSS takes all reports seriously. If you or someone you know is being stalked, seek help as soon as possible by contacting DPSS at (734)763-1311, or dial 911 in an emergency.
After making a report, you will be connected with the Special Victims Unit to help guide you throughout the process. It is essential to note that you can receive assistance from SVU to stop the stalking without the need for prosecution.
Additional stalking information and resources:
DPSS offers safety presentations to students, faculty, and staff on safety and well-being free of charge. If you are interested in educating your department or student group on stalking safety tips and available resources, contact DPSS Community Engagement at (734)763-3434, email, or fill out the online request form to request a safety presentation.