Stalking Awareness Month
January is National Stalking Awareness Month. We take time this month to recognize and respond to this harmful issue, which impacts many people in our communities.
Young adults (18-24) experience the highest rate of stalking among adults. College students most often experience stalking from a former intimate partner, acquaintance, friend, classmate, or current intimate partner (source: SPARC). Stalking is often misrepresented, minimized, and even normalized.
Know it. Name it. Stop it.
What Is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.
Stalking can take many forms but regardless of the behaviors/tactics used to stalk someone, the impact is harmful, distressing, and a violation of someone's privacy and autonomy.
Learn More and Take Action
Stop by our table in the VU 6th Floor Lobby on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 10 AM to 2 PM to pick up campus support and reporting resources and show your support for students who have experienced or are experiencing stalking.
Training for Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff are invited to schedule a Supporting Survivors training for their office or department during winter quarter. This training, co-hosted by Survivor Advocacy Services and the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance focuses on how each of us can support student survivors.
We will review employee reporting requirements, all available resources, and options. Includes practice providing relevant resources and support when a student discloses. Based on your department's needs, we can tailor the content and the length of training.
Free Online Training Through SPARC
The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC) offers free online training. Visit their Awareness Education page to get started.
Survivor Advocacy Services
In our community, everyone deserves safety. If you are a Western student who is experiencing or has experienced stalking, relationship abuse, sexual violence, and/or harassment, you are not alone, and support is available through Western's Survivor Advocacy Services, a confidential resource. Visit their website for more information, including 24/7 resources and safety planning information.
Civil Rights & Title IX
Western students who have experienced stalking, sexual assault, intimate partner violence and/or sexual harassment have the option to seek support and/or report to the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (CRTC). Please note that CRTC is not a confidential resource but is an office that prioritizes your privacy.