Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking is about power and control. Someone who causes harm through stalking can be a former romantic partner, an acquaintance or a stranger.

Some examples of stalking include:

• Non-consensual communication through social media, text message, emails, or phone calls.
• Use of technology to stalk:
  • Persistently sending unwanted communication through the internet, such as spamming someone’s email inbox or social media platform.
  • Posting threatening or personal information about someone on public internet forums
  • Video-voyeurism, or installing video cameras that give the stalker access to someone’s personal life.
  • Using GPS or other software tracking systems to monitor someone without their knowledge or consent.
  • Using someone’s computer and/or spyware to track their computer activity.
• Repeatedly being in the same place, physically/visually without cause, such as waiting for someone outside of a class/dormitory, following someone, or watching someone from a distance.
• Making threats against someone or their loved ones.
• Other behaviors used to harass, track or control another person.

For more information, review the Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking Policy.

Responding to Stalking

There are many reactions to experiencing stalking, such as fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, and stress. The Wellness Exchange hotline can be contacted 24/7 at (212) 443-9999 or through email or chat to discuss concerns about stalking. Wellness Exchange and Counseling and Wellness Services are confidential resources, meaning information shared cannot be revealed to anyone without express permission of the individual.

If someone believes they are being stalked then they have the rights to contact police for an immediate response to safety concerns. Additionally, NYU Department of Campus Safety can be contacted at (212) 998-2222 to discuss safety and to explore reporting options. Students can report stalking behavior to the OEO Title IX at (212) 998-2352 or title9@nyu.edu. Both Campus Safety and OEO Title IX are private resources, which means information related to a report will be shared with a limited circle of individuals who “need to know”.

If someone is experiencing stalking, consider:

• Developing a safety plan around possible interactions, such as walking with a friend after class, taking a different route to class/work/practice, etc. Share with others who feel safe to talk to about your concerns. Contact the Wellness Exchange to explore safety planning further.
  
• Keeping any evidence for reporting. Examples of evidence could be text messages, social media direct messages, emails, phone messages, handwritten notes, letters, or packages. These can be put aside and used if a report is made.
  
• Creating a dated journal of incidents/encounters and documenting the experience noting any witnesses or threats made.
• Checking computers/smart phones for tracking systems, turning off social media location options, and avoiding sharing your location or plans on social media.
• Reaching out to 911, Campus Safety, the Wellness Exchange, and Title IX.