Stalking

Stalking includes a broad range of behaviors directed at a person. Anyone can be a victim of stalking, not only celebrities or influential people. Stalking can cause lasting emotional trauma to the victim. If you or a friend are being stalked we encourage you to report it to the university or police.

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Stalking Behaviors

Stalking behaviors vary. These behaviors might include actions that harass, frighten, threaten or force the perpetrator into the victim's life.

 

Stalking behaviors might initially seem kind, friendly or romantic. However, if a person has indicated they are not interested or desire no contact from the perpetrator, these behaviors may constitute stalking.

 

Here are some behaviors that might indicate someone is being stalked:

• Receiving persistent phone calls despite communicating a disinterest in talking to the individual calling.
• Receiving unwanted or frequent gifts/surprises from an individual.
• Receiving persistent messages from someone through texts, direct messages, emails, letters, etc.
• Receiving threats to family, friends, property or pets.
• Rumors or lies that cause a person to become isolated from friends or family.
• An individual might frequently visit the workplace, neighborhood/residence hall, or classroom of the person who is being stalked.
• A person might experience manipulation from their stalker, like threatening to commit suicide in order to get attention. If you believe a person might be in immediate danger of harming themselves, we encourage you to call OSUPD (405-744-6523) or dial 911.
• A stalker might purposefully disrespect or demean someone they are stalking.

The most important thing to consider in determining if someone is being stalked is the frequency, consistency, and severity of the behaviors, especially if the victim has expressed disinterest.

 

Victims of Stalking

Being a victim of stalking can be traumatic. We encourage anyone who has experienced stalking to explore resources, counseling, and other supportive measures (no contact orders, protective orders, work/academic arrangements, etc.).

 

If you are currently experiencing stalking, here are some ways to protect yourself from the perpetrator:

• Don't answer the phone or door unless you know who it is.
• End all communication with the person who is stalking you. Don't engage in conversations or arguments with them.
• Let family, friends, and your employer know you are being stalked. Show them a photo of the stalker so they can identify them.
• Talk to a family member, friend, administrator or counselor who can help you decide how to deal with the situation. We encourage you to report the situation to Student Support & Conduct.
• Write down the times, places, and detailed summaries of each incident. Keep all texts, emails, letter or voicemails as proof.
• Contact OSUPD (405-744-6523) or Stillwater Police (405-372-4171) if stalking persists or you feel you are in danger.
• Consider obtaining a restraining order.
• Consider  changing your routine so the stalker is less able to predict your whereabouts.

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking refers to the use of the internet and other technologies to harass or stalk another person online. This type of stalking also includes behaviors that are frequent, consistent and severe. 

 

Here are some tips to stay safe while interacting with others on the internet and social media:

• Do not meet up with anyone you've met on the internet.
• Don’t share personal information (name, phone numbers, addresses, etc.) with people you don't know on the internet.
• Enable two factor authentication on social media accounts to keep your information safe.
• Block users or words you don't wish to see on social media.
• Save all communications from a cyber stalker.
• Consider contacting the police or reporting to the university.