8% of all women and 2% of all men are victims of stalking.

Stalking

Stalking is a form of sexual violence, defined as unwanted pursuit that is threatening or fear-inducing for the victim. Although stalking is often conceptualized in the form of unwanted following or surveillance, stalking behavior can take many forms. These behaviors may include

  • unwanted telephone calls, letters, or e-mails
  • threats to the victim or the victim's family and friends
  • unwanted or threatening gifts
  • damage to property.

Stalking is something that is frequently joked about. In reality, stalking is a serious crime and can also lead to physical or sexual assault.

Types of Stalking

As a general rule, stalking behavior falls into three broad categories, which may overlap:

Simple Obsessional

Simple Obsessional stalkers have a prior relationship with the victim who may have been the stalker's acquaintance, neighbor, friend, co-worker, customer, significant other, or sexual partner. This form of stalking usually begins after the stalker perceives that s/he has been wronged by the victim or the relationship has dwindled, and is characterized by the victim either trying to mend the relationship or seek some form of retribution.

Erotomania/Love Obsessional

Stalkers suffering from erotomania have the false but persistent belief that they are loved by another. Usually the victim is of higher status and may not be acquainted with the stalker. The stalker in this situation may idealize a spiritual or emotional, rather than sexual, relationship with the victim. The stalker may make efforts to contact the victim, but delusions from erotomania are occasionally kept secret.

Vengeful

Vengeful stalkers, who may also fall under the category of simple obsessional stalkers, seek revenge for some real or perceived harm done by the victim. Often, vengeful stalkers are angry because the victim has developed a relationship with another person or has taken action to limit the stalker's threatening behavior.

What if I think I am being stalked?

You have the right to be free from threatening or frightening behavior. Stalking is illegal, and there are measures that you can take to stop it. The following measures can be taken to enhance your safety in a stalking situation:

Calling the police

The police can remove a stalker from your vicinity and help you to get a restraining order, which allows you to take legal action if stalking behavior continues.

Contacting the university

If you are being stalked by another member of the campus community, file a complaint (link to the section on University Discipline) through the university, in order to ensure your safety. If you live in housing, tell your resident head (RH), resident assistant (RA) or resident master (RM).

Securing your home

If you think you may be a victim of stalking, keep your doors locked and consider other safety measures such as obtaining an unlisted telephone number. Be alert when entering and exiting your building.

Telling others and documenting incidences

It is often a good idea to tell friends, family, and co-workers about your situation. Not only can these people help to monitor stalking behavior, but they may also be at risk of becoming victims of your stalker. Document all encounters with the stalker and times when you feel uncomfortable or as though you are being watched.

Talking to the stalker

If the opportunity arises and you feel comfortable talking to your stalker, you can clearly and firmly say that you do not want him/her to contact you in any way, including personal contact, following or surveillance, telephone calls, e-mail or letter correspondence, gift-giving, or contact with your friends or family.

What if I'm not sure whether I am being stalked?

If you're not sure you're being stalked, talk to someone about the situation. Health professionals, counselors, and legal authorities can help you determine if the behavior that is making you feel unsafe is legally defined as stalking as well as what can be done to alleviate the situation.

Consider contacting the Sexual Harassment Complaint Advisors, the Student Counseling and Resource Center or the University of Chicago Police Department (702-8181 or 123 from a campus phone) for help. If you live in housing and feel comfortable, your RA or RH may be able to talk to you about your situation and suggest a course of action.