About Stalking

Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person on the basis of actual or perceived membership in a protected class that is unwelcome, and would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking can also be repetitive and menacing conduct, purposely or knowingly causing emotional distress, or pursuing, following, harassing, and/or interfering with the peace and/or the safety of another. Stalking behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Contacting you excessively (phone, texts, Instagram, Snapchat, email, etc), especially if you have asked the person to stop
  • Sending you unwanted gifts/cards/letters
  • Following you or showing up unexpectedly
  • Damaging your property
  • Threatening your family, friends, or pets
  • Threatening you with physical harm
  • Trying to publicly humiliate you with information (true or false)
  • Following you on social media sites to keep up with your activities

If you are experiencing stalking and feel that you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Fact vs. Fiction

Fiction

  • People are typically stalked by a stranger or a random individual.
  • Stalking isn’t a big deal and individuals who experience stalking should either ignore it or make it more clear that the stalker should stop, then it will no longer be a problem.
  • Stalking is only when someone follows and watches another individual in person
  • Stalking is creepy but not against the law

Fact

  • Most people are stalked by someone they know, and often a partner or ex-partner.
  • The effects of any kind of stalking can include anxiety, insomnia, and inability to concentrate. Stalking can result in escalated violence, and even homicide in some instances.
  • Many of those who experience stalking are stalked through apps and social media.
  • Stalking goes against Elon’s conduct policy and is illegal in North Carolina

Survivor Support

If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation, there are many resources available:

  • Confidential advocate – to schedule a meeting with the confidential advocate, email AK Krauss at akrauss3@elon.edu or call 336-278-5009.
  • Safeline – 24/7 confidential advocacy phone line available at 336-278-3333.
  • Counseling services – located at the R. N. Ellington Center for Health and Wellness, 301 South O’Kelly Avenue. To make an appointment go to their website.

For more resources and options for support, please go to the Get Help Now page.