Stalking Resources

Stalking Defined

Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer significant emotional distress. Stalkers target victims regardless of their identities. This means stalking can happen to anyone. The University does not tolerate stalking and defines behaviors in both the Student Code of Conduct and in the Equal Opportunity, Report and Response policies. You can also learn more at the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC). 

Understanding Stalking

According to SPARC, stalkers tend to harm their target through Surveillance, Life Invasion, Interference, and Intimidation tactics. This is referred to as SLII. Stalking behaviors are varied and may change over time. Most stalkers engage in multiple tactics to scare their victims, and it is common for stalking to occur during a relationship and after it has ended. 

Surveillance: following, showing up, spying, using technology to keep tabs on the victim through others

Life Invasion: unwanted phone calls, messages, following on social media, texting, sending gifts, harassing your friends/family, spreading rumors

Interference: blackmailing, hacked into accounts, 

Intimidation: physical assault, damaged property, threatened you or friends/family, threaten suicide, 

Supporting Someone who is Experiencing Stalking

People who are experiencing stalking rarely say "I am being stalked." They are more likely to say something like “my ex is bothering me,” “an old coworker is being weird,” or “my neighbor is harassing me.” We all respond to
trauma differently, and the person experiencing the harm may present as annoyed, frustrated, angry, or show no emotion at all rather than appearing scared. If you are worried someone you care about is experiencing stalking, consider connecting them to SAFE Project for confidential support. 

Documenting Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of behavior. Keeping a log of incidents can be useful documentation for reporting to the University and/or law enforcement. Both the Dean of Students Office or a SAFE Project Advocate can help you print off copies and explain how to use the log. 

Stalking Incident Log: https://www.stalkingawareness.org/documentation-log/

The Stalking and Harassment Assessment and Risk Profile (SHARP)

The Stalking and Harassment Assessment and Risk Profile (SHARP) is a free, web-based tool  designed specifically to examine stalking and assess the “big picture” of the stalking situation and your risk in the moment. The Assistant Dean of Students, UWPD, or an advocate from SAFE Project can complete this with you. 

National Stalking Awareness Month

The University of Wyoming participates in National Stalking Awareness Month each year in January. However, because most of our campus population is not here in January, we provide support, education, training, and awareness year round. Check out our violence prevention programs and sign up for a Green Dot training to learn more.