What is stalking?
Stalking is an unwanted contact that communicates a direct or indirect threat and that causes the victim to fear for his/her safety and/or the safety of family members. Stalking affects people of all identities, and can occur within any community.
Unwanted contact can include:
- following or surveillance
- inappropriate approaches and confrontations
- appearing at a place of work or residence
- unwanted phone calls, letters, or e-mail
- threats to victim's family and friends
- unwanted or threatening gifts
- damage to property
- physical assault
- sexual assault
Did you know?
- 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime (Tjaden Report, NVAW Survey, 1998).
- 60% of female victims and 30% of male victims are stalked by an intimate partner (current/former spouse, cohabitant, boyfriend or girlfriend). (Ibid).
- In a 1997 survey of college women, 13% had been stalked during the current school year. (NCWSV,1997).
What to do if you are being stalked
- If you are being stalked and are in immediate danger, call 911.
- Call a 24 hour hotline for free and confidential safety planning and counseling.
- Keep a record of the incidents, including the date, time, place, event, and witnesses.
How to get help:
5 college resources:
- Mount Holyoke College: Campus Police @ 413-538-2304
- Amherst College: 24 hour hotline @ 413-542-7916
- Hampshire College: Community Health @ 413-559-5743
- Smith College: Campus Police @ 413-585-2499; X800
- UMass Amherst: Everywoman's Center. 24 hour hotline 413-545-0800. Toll free: 888-337-0800.
- (V/TTY 8:00-5:00 Monday-Friday).
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