Stalking
Research shows rates of stalking between college students exceed those in the general population. As many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience stalking while in college; the most common relationship between them is that the stalker is a current or former intimate partner. Stalking may be a component of relationship violence; visit the Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships page to learn more about power and control in relationships.
Stalking behaviors are so often normalized as romantic behaviors, and therefore may be minimized or dismissed. Stalking is also a contextual crime; it is difficult to understand the weight of what is happening simply from one action of the perpetrator. Still, like other forms of gender based violence, it is important to not blame those experiencing stalking, and to validate and believe the reaction they may have to it. CSAW is dedicated to supporting survivors; schedule an appointment to talk to an advocate.
Defining Stalking
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ University defines stalking as:
“A course of conduct directed at a specific person that is unwelcome and that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety (or the safety of a third party) or suffer substantial emotional distress. Conduct that can amount to stalking may include two or more actions directed at another person, whether done directly, indirectly, through others, via devices, or via any other methods or means (specifically including electronic means).”
This definition is taken from
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX website, where additional definitions of sexual misconduct may be found.
Some common stalking behaviors to recognize may include:
- Using technology or the Internet in a malicious way to control, harass, or spread rumors about a person
- Always happening to be at the same parties, classes, etc. as a person
- Damaging or threatening to damage property
- Following or lying in wait for an individual
- Defaming character.
Stalking is a crime in Illinois, making it possible to take legal action, such as getting a . Information on the Illinois state definition of stalking is available in the
If You're Being Stalked
What are some options I have if I'm being stalked?
1. Let trusted people in your life know what is happening.
You are not alone, and you don't have to suffer in isolation. Reaching out to others can provide you with much-needed emotional support and those in your life (i.e., family, friends, partners, professors, RAs/RDs, supervisors) can pool their resources to increase your safety and decrease stalking impacts on a day-to-day basis. Note that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ faculty and staff are required to notify the university if they learn about campus stalking, but you cannot be required to make a report and, in the vast majority of cases, the university will not take further action if you do not wish them to.
Stalking is both illegal and a violation of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s policies. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ resources, such as the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ University Police Department (NUPD) and the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (OCR), can take specialized action to assist you.
CSAW advocates are available to connect you to resources and strategize with you about how to best disclose the stalking to others and ask for what you need.
2. Develop a safety plan.
A safety plan is a document personalized to you with practical strategies for reducing the potential physical and emotional harm of stalking in all areas of your life (i.e., work, school, social life, online) and increasing feelings of safety and control. Safety plans consider your pre-existing resources, personal goals, concerns, and priorities.
CSAW advocates can assist you with designing a safety plan. For additional safety planning information and tools, visit the Responding to Relationship Violence page or
3. Keep track of the stalker's behavior using a log.
It's tempting to automatically delete upsetting material, but consider keeping a , including in-person contacts and of any e-mails, texts, social media, or phone contact. Also, keep any physical letters or gifts you have received. This information can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue any course of formal action.
4. Report online harassment to platforms.
Harassing and abusive online behavior violates the terms and conditions of many social media platforms and internet service providers in addition to potentially being illegal. You can report harmful content, request that content be removed, and/or alter your accounts' privacy settings in response to stalking. The non-profit organization hosts a guide to content removal for victims of online harassment, and the offers multiple guides to increasing security on various online platforms and devices.
CSAW advocates can help you explore all your options in response to digital harm.
5. Apply for a Stalking No Contact Order or a no-contact directive.
Two remedies available to people experiencing stalking are filing for a Stalking No Contact Order (sometimes called a 'restraining order') through the court system or requesting a no-contact directive, which is provided by ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. If granted, both these remedies dictate that the stalker stay away from and cease contacting you, though with different jurisdictions. If the stalking continues, the stalker faces legal and/or university sanctions.
You do not need to file a police report, pursue charges, or participate in a university investigation to receive these remedies, though you could choose to do these things simultaneously. Speak to a CSAW advocate if you want more information about these processes or assistance navigating them.
Apply for a or a no-contact directive.
6. Seek counseling for support.
Stalking is scary and can cause large disruptions in victims' lives, significantly impacting their mental health. Both CARE and CAPS can provide you with direct emotional support or refer you to trauma-informed therapists in the community.
What can I do if someone I know is being stalked?
If you’re trying to support someone who is being stalked, it may be difficult to know how to respond without escalating the situation or being targeted yourself. Start by believing the survivor and validating their emotions; minimizing the situation could prevent the survivor from seeking help in the future and encourage them to dismiss their own instincts. Respect and protect the survivor's privacy and autonomy and, if they're interested, offer practical support and resources that help increase safety.
CARE is here for both those experiencing stalking and those they turn to for support. Schedule an appointment to find support for yourself and discuss ways to be a good support for your loved ones.
Resources for Additional Information: