Stalking is any behavior in which someone repeatedly engages in conduct directed at another individual that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others. It encompasses repeated and unwanted attention, harassment or contact.
Signs of stalking include:
- Following/watching you
- Sending unwanted gifts, letters, cards or emails
- Damaging personal property (phones, laptops, vehicles or homes)
- Monitoring phone calls or computer use
- Using tracking technology (hidden cameras or GPS)
- Driving by or hanging out at a person’s residence hall, home, school or work
- Threatening harm to you or your friends, family, roommates, co-workers or neighbors
- Learning more about you by accessing public records/online search services, hiring investigators, going through garbage or contacting roommates, friends, family and co-workers
- Controlling, tracking or frightening you by other means
- Cyberstalking: The use of technology and social media to harass someone, including false accusations, monitoring, threats, identity theft, and data destruction or manipulation.
Many who experience stalking may feel:
- Fear of what the stalker will do
- Vulnerable, unsafe or unsure of who to trust
- Anxious, irritable, impatient or on edge
- Depressed, hopeless, overwhelmed, tearful or angry
- Stressed and unable to concentrate, sleep or remember things
- Loss of appetite, forgetful about eating or driven to overeat
- Disturbing flashbacks, thoughts, feelings or memories
- Confused, frustrated or isolated because other people don’t understand why you're afraid
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, contact a CARE advocate. CARE advocates are available Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm.
Phone: (951) 827-6225
Email: advocate@ucr.edu