January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month, and the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) is dedicated to educating the campus community on identifying and reporting stalking behaviors. DPSS is home to the Special Victims Unit (SVU), which is a team of trauma-informed officers with specialized training who assist community members in dealing with interpersonal violence incidents, including stalking.
Stalking is a federally recognized crime that impacts millions of people every year. According to Michigan law, stalking is defined as “a willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another individual that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened and/or harassed.”
Examples of stalking include unwanted:
- Phone calls and/or text messages
- Appearances at the home or workplace
- Watching or following
- Vandalizing or damaging property
- Threatening you or someone close to you
According to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC), one in three women and one in six men will experience stalking at some point in their lifetime. More than half of all stalking victims reported that somebody stalked them before the age of 25.
Additionally, a vast majority of victims are stalked by either an acquaintance or a current or former intimate partner. Visit our [safety page] for more information and tips to learn how to establish boundaries and preserve stalking evidence.
How can you report stalking?
DPSS takes all reports seriously. If you or someone you know is being stalked, seek help as soon as possible by contacting DPSS at (734)763-1311, or dial 911 in an emergency.
After making a report, you will be connected with the Special Victims Unit to help guide you throughout the process. It is important to note, you can receive assistance from SVU to stop the stalking without seeking prosecution.
Additional stalking information and resources:
DPSS offers safety presentations to students, faculty, and staff on safety and well-being free of charge. If you are interested in educating your department or student group on stalking safety tips and available resources, contact DPSS Community Engagement at (734)763-3434, email, or fill out the online request form to request a safety presentation.