University of Rochester

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Last modified: Monday, 14-Nov-2011 16:22:50 EST

University Counseling Center (UCC)

The Victim of Stalking

Facts about stalking

• Stalking is repeated following or harassment of an individual that is designed to instill a sense of fear or danger.
• Stalkers often have an irrational obsession with the victim and try to gain power and omnipotence through control and intimidation.
• Stalking behavior includes tailing the victim: harassment via phone, email, fax, and letters; unwanted gifts; an unwanted attentiveness.
• Stalkers can be male or female and targets can be of the same or opposite sex.

What You Can Do:

• Encourage the victimized student to trust his/her instincts.
• Advise the student to contact the University Security (5-3333)
• Advise the student to document unwanted contacts and maintain evidence of harassment.
• Advise the student to take precautions to ensure safety, including a change in routine travel routes and schedules, and making use of campus escorts when possible.
• If you feel overwhelmed or unprepared to help a victim of stalking, call the Dean of Students Office (275-2757) who will maintain your confidentiality and arrange a meeting with that student.

Don't:

• Ignore or minimize the situation.
• Suggest that the victim is responsible for the unwanted attention.
• Take responsibility for protecting the student.
• Fail to alert the proper authorities.

Helping Distressed or Distressing Students

• Typical Student Concerns
• What You Should Know
• Symptoms of Distress
• Responding to Students
• Making a Referral
• Responding to Emergencies
• The Counseling Center
• Confidentiality
• Mandated Risk Assessment
• Other Campus Sources
• Classroom Climate/Prevention
• Responding After a Tragedy

Addendum:

• Grieving Student
• Anxious/Shy Student
• Student Who May Have an Eating Disorder
• Demanding Student
• Dependent/Passive Student
• Depressed Student
• Student in Poor Contact with Reality
• Student Suspected of Substance Abuse or Addiction
• The Victim of Stalking
• The Victim of an Abusive Dating Relationship
• The Victim of a Hate Incident
• The Victim of Hazing
• Student Who Has Been Sexually Harassed (Assaulted)
• Suicidal Student
• Suspicious Student
• Verbally Aggressive Student
• Violent Student
• Responding to Students with Transition Issues
• Responding to the Student with Choice of Major or Career Concerns
• Absent/Disappeared From Class Student

References/Credits

Complete word document:
Helping Distressed or Distressing Students