Related Services > SAVE Program > Violence Prevention Information > Stalking Prevention > Prevention Ideas

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WHAT TO DO:

The moment the situation starts to escalate, if you have already made it clear that you have no interest, stop all contact. This includes attempts at friendly persuasion, counter-threats (an especially serious mistake), angry demands to be left alone, or efforts to negotiate.

 

Putting an end to all communication includes not responding - or reacting in a detectable way - to threats or intimidations, no matter how scared you are. As a precaution, consult your local law enforcement department or a threat-assessment professional. Remember to treat the threat like you would a promise: evaluate the issuer's character, motives, and the circumstances in order to judge how likely he is to carry out the threat.

 

Needless to say, you want to avoid any personal contact. Treat the stalker as if he or she is extremely dangerous and stay away from that person whenever possible. Should the stalker confront you, however, try to curb any actions or words that might provoke an angry reaction, since he has little to lose. Keep unavoidable encounters brief and do not get drawn into discussions or negotiations. Be especially careful around holidays, since those seem to incite stalker activity. Take adequate privacy and safety precautions. Enlist the support of family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, therapists and other victims. Carry a cell phone. Request an escort, Call CATS the campus escort service, 375-7777, for an escort across campus or from a parking lot to your residence hall.

 

Listen to your intuition, if something seems wrong it probably is wrong.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

Do not deny the problem, it instantly puts you at a disadvantage. Do not try to bargain with your stalker, it establish a dangerous precedent of allowing him to control your actions. Do not try to let someone down easy, say a definitive "NO" if you are not interested in a relationship. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security after obtaining a restraining or protection order; this is often what pushes stalkers to act violently. Do not expect the police to solve your problem and make it go away. Do not ignore your emotional needs during and after a stalking, get the support you need.

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Ron Vick, MA, LPC
Counselor / Academic Advisor
Int'l Student Advisor