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Stalking
Stalking is the unwelcome pursuit of one person by another, involving
repeated instances of willful harassment. Stalking can be disturbing and even
dangerous, regardless of whether the stalker has malicious intent. Stalkers
are invariably obsessed and may, in some cases, be delusional (i.e. hold
beliefs that are unrealistic or irrational). Being the target of a stalker
can be a very unsettling, confusing, and anxiety-provoking experience.
Stalking Facts and Figures
The following approximations are based on information supplied by the
National Center for Victims of Crime:
- While both males and females are the targets of stalkers, females are
much more likely to be targeted. 70% to 75% of stalking victims are female.
- 85 to 90% of stalkers are male.
- 8% of women and 2% of men are stalked at some point in their lifetime.
- 60% of female victims and 30% of male victims are stalked by someone who
has been an intimate partner.
- 60% of stalkers make unwanted phone calls; 33% send unwanted letters.
Stalking on Campus
There is evidence that stalking is more prevalent in college communities than
it is in the general population. College campuses are relatively small
communities within which an individual’s daily routines can be observed and
personal information—such as an individual’s on-campus residence, phone number,
and e-mail address—is readily accessible. Approximately 80% of college women who
are stalked know their stalkers. Most commonly, the stalker is an ex-boyfriend.
In many instances, however, the stalker is simply a friend, classmate, or
acquaintance.
What to Do If You Are Being Stalked
You may not be sure whether or not the behavior you’re being subjected to is
stalking. You may, for example, have just broken up with someone, and that
person may not realize that the relationship is really over. You may be
receiving attention from a friend or acquaintance who is not clear that his or
her attention is unwelcome. Perhaps you are not sure whether or not you want the
relationship in question to end completely. Maybe you would like the
relationship to continue, but with clear limits. In such cases, it is important
to decide what it is you really want. Otherwise, you will run the risk of
sending a mixed message and be unable to communicate clearly or convincingly
that the attention you are receiving is unwanted. Clear communication is
essential, whether you are attempting to end a relationship or alter one.
If you do believe you are being stalked and are clear that you want no further
interaction, you should consider a number of options. First, and most
importantly, acknowledge that a serious problem exists and that you need to do
something about it. It is often the case that people being stalked minimize
what is occurring, or avoid having to make adjustments in their lives. If you
are being stalked and you feel this way, you are not alone. Nonetheless, it is
important to make adjustments to preserve your safety and enhance your sense of
control. Denial of the problem is the greatest threat to resolving it.
Although the stalker’s behavior ultimately is not within your control, there are
steps you can take to discourage him or her and to influence the situation.
Among the options you should consider:
Communicate clearly to the stalker—once and only once—that his or her
attention is unwanted. Do not permit or encourage any further interaction. -
Keep a cell phone with you and use it if you feel endangered.
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Screen your phone calls. Never take calls from your stalker, who may try to
engage you in an argument or elicit your sympathy.
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Alert your family and friends to your situation, and ask them not to
divulge personal information about you. Family and friends can be a
source of both safety and emotional support.
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Alert Public Safety, Residence Life, police or other authorities to your
situation. They may be able to influence the behavior of the stalker in ways
that you can't.
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Discuss your situation with a professional counselor. Counseling can provide
an opportunity to discuss matters you can’t discuss with family or friends.
How to Get Help
Being stalked can be a very difficult experience that leaves a person feeling
anxious, depressed and confused. It can be helpful to discuss your concerns with
a caring, knowledgeable professional who will help you consider your options.
Professional help is also available for students who are concerned that they may
be at risk of engaging in stalking behavior. If you are having difficulty
letting go of a relationship and accepting another person’s requests for limits,
or if you are consumed with thoughts about someone, counseling can help in
regaining perspective. You can make an appointment by stopping by the
Counseling Center (located across from Bartley Hall on the main floor of the
Health Services Building) or by calling extension 94050. You may also meet with
an Officer in the Department of
Public Safety.
Useful Websites
For further information, you may find the following links of interest:
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or reprinted without permission of Villanova Counseling Center.
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