Stalking
Stalking is repeated threats or unwanted attention from one person that induces fear or substantial emotional distress. Covering a range of behaviors, the key elements of stalking are repetition and inducing fear and distress
- Repeatedly contacting someone by phone, email, other social media, or communication technology after being told to stop
- Repeatedly using social networking sites and other forums to harass, threaten, or release sensitive information about another person
- Use of technology to locate, track, and/or follow a person without his/her knowledge and/or consent
- Following another person without consent.
Stalking and Technology
Technology is often used as a form of stalking. It can be via computers, internet, phones, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Computers and Internet
If stalkers have access to the complainant’s computer they can be tracked by reviewing browser history of websites most recently visited. Spyware can also be on computers that will record and send browsing histories, key strokes, usernames, passwords, etc. Social media sites can also be used to track someone. Messages can be posted on walls or sent privately. Stalkers can also get an idea of the complainant’s plans based on what is being shared on the social media sites.
Phones
Similar to computers and the internet, cell phones can be used to threaten and/or harass. There are apps that can be put on phones that allow stalkers to gather private information. These apps are able to record phone conversations and work as tracking devices. There are also apps that allow a number to show up differently. This allows stalkers to continue contacting someone even if his/her number has been blocked.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Global Positioning Systems can be used by a stalker to track and/or follow complainants. These can be downloaded on various devices such as computers and cell phones. They can also be placed on the person or vehicle.
Things you can do to protect yourself
Stalking can be unpredictable and dangerous. No two situations are alike but these steps can help increase your safety.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or 5911 from a campus phone
- Take threats seriously
- Trust your instincts. If you feel that you are in danger then you probably are
- Contact a complainant’s service agency or hotline and they can help you devise a safety plan
- Don’t communicate with the stalker. Block/Screen calls and text messages and remove the stalker from all social media sites and adjust privacy settings.
- Keep evidence of the stalking. Photograph everything and save screens shots of computer images. Save text messages, emails, and voice-mails.
- Tell family, friends, co-workers and roommates for support and talk with LUPD.
Please visit our Reaching out for Help page for more information and the resources available to you.
Reporting
Lewis University encourages you to contact LUPD if you have experienced stalking while on campus.
Visit our Title IX at 海角社区 to learn more about the Title IX investigation and your rights.
If you are or have been a complainant of stalking by a faculty or staff person, please contact Lori Misheck at (815) 836-5272 or misheclo@lewisu.edu to file a report.
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