January is National Stalking Awareness Month, with Jan. 18 as the National Day of Action for Stalking Awareness. On Jan. 20, Wright State University (WSU) held an event to promote awareness and educate students on how to recognize various types of stalking and what steps to take when they do.
According to statistics from the Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC), one in three women and one in six men are affected by stalking.
SPARC aims to improve the response to stalking by educating the professionals who are in charge of victim protection and offender accountability.
Under Title IX, stalking behavior and related forms of sexual misconduct are prohibited.
Kate Page is the Title IX Coordinator at WSU.
“As a Title IX officer, I want to make sure that we are not just addressing behaviors when it happens, but we are providing information," Page said.
The event was intended to show students that stalking can come from anyone. Page highlighted that people are usually stalked by someone they know.
“Current or former intimate partners are usually the highest perpetrators of stalking behavior," Page said.
Speakers at the event advised those who believe they are in immediate danger to call the police.
Counseling and Wellness Services (CWS) staff were present at the event, providing an additional resource for students affected by stalking.
Sara Baker is the Wellness and Health Program Manager for CWS.
"Many stalking behaviors go unrecognized, even though they are harmful, because they are often normalized or romanticized," Baker said.
Some behaviors students should watch out for include an individual violating their boundaries, unwanted frequent texting and showing up places uninvited. If someone’s actions cause discomfort and continue despite repeated requests to stop, it is considered stalking.
“It's important to feel empowered to say something to access these resources," Baker said.
Baker encouraged people to come forward about their experiences to get the support they need.
Regarding dealing with stalking, Baker stressed that anybody who feels they are in danger should contact WSU Public Safety at (937) 775-2111. Even if they are not in immediate danger, students can report stalking to Public Safety, in the basement of Allyn Hall, or contact the Title IX office, located in 234 University Hall.
The event encouraged students to speak up, spot warning signs and remember they are not alone.
“If students are immediately in a crisis, we are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They can drop in and we will make sure that we see them for a crisis appointment,” Baker said.
Baker also pointed out the crisis hotline, Raider Cares, which is available at all hours of the day. Students can call that line at (937) 775-4567.
More information on stalking awareness can be read here.
