Chapter 3
Stalking
Stalking is more common among college students than you may realize. Stalking is 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 stalker can be of any race, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Stalking is 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 to suffer substantial emotional distress. Stalking may include repeatedly following, harassing, threatening, or intimidating another by telephone, mail, electronic communication, social media, or any other action, device or method.
Stalking occurs when a person either: (1) engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts toward another person, including following the person without proper authority, under circumstances which demonstrate either an intent to place such other person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person; or (2) engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly communicates to another person under circumstances which demonstrate or communicate either an intent to place such other person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person.
Behavioral Examples:
Stalking behavior may be difficult to identify, since some can seem kind, friendly or romantic (for example: sending cards, candy or flowers). However, if the object of the abuser’s attention has indicated they want no contact, these behaviors may constitute stalking.
- Persistent phone calls despite being told not to make contact in any form
- Waiting for the victim at workplace, in the neighborhood/residence hall, after class, and where the stalker knows the victim goes
- Threats to family, friends, property or pets of the victim. (Threats or actual abuse toward pets is a particularly strong indicator of the potential to escalate to more or lethal violence)
- Manipulative behavior (e.g. threatening to commit suicide in order to get a response)
- Defamation: The stalker often lies to others about the victim (e.g. reporting infidelity to the victim's partner)
- Sending the victim written messages, such as text messages, emails, social media messages, graffiti, or cards or letters, etc.
- Sending unwanted gifts
Technology and social media are commonly involved in stalking situations.
If you ever experience stalking, it is important to document each incident and save any harassing posts, emails, or text messages as well as pictures or other materials, if you feel safe doing so. You also want to clearly let the person know that you are not interested in having any future contact. If you don’t feel safe communicating with the person, notify the police and ask them to intervene. You can also contact Penn State’s Office of Sexual Misconduct Reporting and Response for assistance.