SAFE: Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention, harassment, and contact. Isolated acts may not be considered stalking, but where there is a pattern, the behavior is generally illegal. It is a course of conduct that can include:

• Following or laying in wait for the victim
• Repeated unwanted, intrusive, and frightening communications from the perpetrator by phone, mail, and/or e-mail
• Damaging the victim's property
• Making direct or indirect threats to harm the victim, the victim's children, relatives, friends, or pets
• Repeatedly sending the victim unwanted gifts
• Harassment through the Internet, known as cyberstalking, online stalking, or Internet stalking
• Securing personal information about the victim by: accessing public records (land records, phone listings, driver or voter registration), using Internet search services, hiring private investigators, contacting friends, family, work, or neighbors, going through the victim's garbage, following the victim, etc.

Steps in addressing stalking behavior:

1. Know that you are not alone. There are resources and caring people on campus who can support you.
2. Clearly communicate that you have no interest in having any kind of relationship with the individual.  Request that all communication of any form (text message, phone call, Facebook, etc.) cease immediately.  
3. Contact Public Safety, Residence Life or Portland Police. Let them know what's happening.

For more information regarding stalking including steps you can take in protecting yourself from stalking visit the National Center for Victims of Crime.