Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center Gyte

What is “stalking?” Stalking is a serious crime that occurs when one person engages in actions directed at another person (the target) which causes this person to feel scared or threatened for his or her safety.

Statistics on stalking Every year, about 6.6 million people are stalked in the United States (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011) According to the 2009 National Crime Victimization Survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice: About 3 out of every 4 stalking victims knew who their stalker was in some way. Women are at a greater risk of being stalked than men. Men and women though are equally likely to be victims of harassment. About 1 in 4 victims report being stalked through the internet, such as through or instant messaging. Access the full “Stalking Victimization in the United States” reportStalking Victimization in the United States Access a stalking fact sheetstalking fact sheet

What do stalkers do? Stalkers may engage in the following behaviors: Calling you repeatedly (including hang-ups) Following you to your home, work environment, or other places you visit Using means, such as reading public records or contacting your friends and family, to find more information about you Threatening to harm you, or your friends, family, and pets Damaging your property or belongings For more information, please access the “Are You Being Stalked” brochure from the National Stalking Awareness Month website“Are You Being Stalked” brochure

Things you can do if you are the victim of stalking Be aware that stalking is extremely dangerous. If you are being stalked, steps can be taken to increase safety: Call 911 if you are in an emergency situation. Always trust how you feel in a situation. If you feel that you are unsafe, you may be in danger. NEVER communicate back to the stalker. Although you may be feel tempted to approach the stalker, this should not be done since stalkers are dangerous and unpredictable.

More things you can do Document evidence of the stalking. –Write down when, where, and how the stalker followed or contacted you. –Do not erase notes, s, text messages, or voic s the stalker has sent you. –Ask witnesses to also document what they have seen has occurred between you and the stalker. –Photograph any type of injuries the stalker has caused to you. Also photograph any type of damage to your property or belongings. More information about recording stalking incidents and behaviors.recording stalking incidents and behaviors

Even more things you can do Talk to those close to you about the stalking. Let others be aware of your stalking situation. Seek their support and help. Contact your local authorities. Bring any type of documentation with you, as well as any witnesses to the stalking. You may be able to receive a court protective order against the stalker.

Safety plans for victims A safety plan is a way for victims to increase their safety in a dangerous situation. Safety plans for victims involve the use of planning and responding in a way which will help reduce their risk of danger. More information on safety planning.

Using technology to stalk Computers, the internet, phones, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and other technology sources may be used by stalkers to track and follow you. More information about technology and stalking

Stalking laws Laws on stalking vary by state. You may access the stalking laws for Indiana and Illinois at the following web links: Indiana Stalking Laws: Illinois Stalking Laws: Stalking laws for All States

Who to call if you need help? For immediate assistance in an emergency, call 911 The Purdue University Calumet Police Department may be contacted at (219) [Consider pre-programming the number into your cell phone] Pre-program ICE contact numbers: –ICE: In Case of Emergency

Counseling services The Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center is located in the Gyte Building, room 5. To set up an appointment or for additional information, please contact the PUC Counseling Center at (219) You may also visit our websitevisit our website

Resources Office for Victims of Crime, Directory of Crime Victim Services: Phone: (202) National Domestic Violence Hotline (TTY) National Sexual Assault HotlineNational Sexual Assault Hotline: National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: (TTY) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (Spanish) (TTY )

References The National Center for Victim’s of Crime: Stalking Resource Center The National Stalking Awareness Month website