Stalking

What is stalking?
Stalking is an unwanted contact that communicates a direct or indirect threat and that causes the victim to fear for his/her safety and/or the safety of family members. Stalking affects people of all identities, and can occur within any community.

Unwanted contact can include:

• following or surveillance
• inappropriate approaches and confrontations
• appearing at a place of work or residence
• unwanted phone calls, letters, or e-mail
• threats to victim's family and friends
• unwanted or threatening gifts
• damage to property
• physical assault
• sexual assault

• 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime (Tjaden Report, NVAW Survey, 1998).
• 60% of female victims and 30% of male victims are stalked by an intimate partner (current/former spouse, cohabitant, boyfriend or girlfriend). (Ibid).
• In a 1997 survey of college women, 13% had been stalked during the current school year. (NCWSV,1997).

• If you are being stalked and are in immediate danger, call 911.
• Call a 24 hour hotline for free and confidential safety planning and counseling.
• Keep a record of the incidents, including the date, time, place, event, and witnesses.

• Mount Holyoke College: Public Safety @ 413-538-2304
• Amherst College: 24 hour hotline @ 413-542-7916
• Hampshire College: Community Health @ 413-559-5743
• Smith College: Public Safety @ 413-585-2499; X800
• UMass Amherst: Everywoman's Center. 24 hour hotline 413-545-0800. Toll free: 888-337-0800.             
• (V/TTY 8:00-5:00 Monday-Friday).
  

• UMass Everywoman Center
• National Center for Victims of Crime
• Cyber Stalking
• Techno Stalking