Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.

Some abusers will employ tactics of cyberstalking to monitor their victim. Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, group, or organization. It may include false accusations, defamation, slander and libel. It may also include monitoring, identity theft, threats, vandalism, solicitation for sex, doxing, or blackmail.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Injury Center, stalking tactics can include:

• Unwanted phone calls
• Unwanted emails, instant messages, text messages, voice messages, or social media messages
• Approaching a victim or showing up unwanted, such as at the victim’s home, workplace, or school
• Leaving strange or potentially threatening items for the victim to find
• Watching, following, or tracking a victim
• Sneaking into the victim’s home or car and doing things to scare the victim or let them know the perpetrator had been there

According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) :

• Stalking is common. About 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men have experienced stalking in their lifetimes.
• Stalking starts early. Nearly 54% of female victims and 41% of male victims experienced stalking before the age of 25.
• Stalking impacts the physical and mental health of victims. Research shows stalking can lead to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. About 68% of female and 70% of male victims experienced threats of physical harm during their lifetime.

Resources are available if you or someone you know has been a victim of stalking. The most important consideration is your safety. Supportive resources can help you figure out what your best options are for feeling safe in your life and for getting the help that you need. Stalking is a violation of the CSB/SJU Sexual Misconduct Policy and is against the law in Minnesota. You have options.

Confidential Resources:

• CSB and SJU Counseling, 320-363-3236
• CSB and SJU Health Services, 320-363-5605
• Central MN Sexual Assault Center, 320-251-4357
• Anna Marie’s Alliance (Dating and Domestic Violence Services), 320-253-6900

To report an incident of stalking:

• CSB Title IX Coordinator: Kathy Lasher 320-363-5943
• SJU Title IX Coordinator: Kathy Lasher 320-363-5943
• CSB Campus Security, 320-363-5000
• SJU Life Safety, 320-363-3512
• St. Joseph Police Department, 320-363-8250
• Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, 320-251-4240
• In case of an emergency, dial 911

For information on safety planning, and how to help a victim of stalking:

• The Stalking Prevention and Resource Center – The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center | SPARC (stalkingawareness.org)
• Stalking Risk Assessment (SHARP) – to learn more, visit Coercive Control