Stalking Basics
What is stalking?
A pattern of unwanted behaviors directed at a specific person that causes fear, distress, or concern for safety.
Stalking only happens between strangers.
Myth. Most stalkers are known to the victim.
Approximately how many people in the U.S. experience stalking in their lifetime?
About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men.
What is cyberstalking?
Stalking that uses technology like texting, social media, GPS, or email.
True or False? You have to press charges or make a Title IX report to get help on campus
False. Support is available without making a report
True or False: Stalking requires physical following.
False. Stalking can be digital, emotional, or indirect.
If someone doesn’t say “stop,” it isn’t stalking.
Myth. Consent does not require a verbal refusal.
What age group experiences the highest rates of stalking?
People 18–24 years old.
True or False: Cyberstalking is less serious than in-person stalking
False. It can be just as harmful and invasive.
Who can a student contact on campus if they are being stalked?
Title IX, counseling services, public safety, or a trusted staff member
How many incidents are required for behavior to legally qualify as stalking?
Two or more incidents form a pattern.
Stalking is about love or obsession.
Myth. Stalking is about power and control.
About what percentage of stalking victims know their stalker?
Around 75%
How can social media increase stalking risks on campus?
Location tags, class schedules, and public posts make people easier to track
What is one thing NOT to say to someone who discloses stalking?
“Just ignore them,” “It’s not that serious,” or “Why didn’t you block them?”
Why is stalking considered a serious crime even if no physical harm occurs?
It causes fear, emotional distress, and can escalate to violence.
Blocking someone online always stops stalking.
Myth. Stalkers often escalate or find new ways to make contact.
What is the average duration of a stalking experience?
2 years. (11% of cases last 5 or more years)
Name one example of cyberstalking
Excessive messaging, tracking locations, monitoring online activity, or impersonation
What kind of documentation can be collected in the context of stalking?
Messages, screenshots, phone calls, incident log
Name one example of stalking behavior on a college campus.
Repeated unwanted texts, showing up uninvited, monitoring social media, or waiting outside classes or residence halls.
Why can believing stalking myths make it harder for survivors to seek help?
Myths minimize harm, blame victims, and normalize dangerous behavior.
Why are stalking statistics often underreported?
Fear, normalization of behavior, lack of awareness, or not recognizing it as stalking.
What is one digital safety step students can take to reduce stalking risk?
Adjust privacy settings, disable location sharing, or save evidence
Why is believing and supporting survivors critical?
Validation reduces isolation and increases access to resources and protection