Stalking

Stalking is defined in the law and university policy as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Stalking can occur in and out of current or past relationships, as well as between roommates, acquaintances, groups or complete strangers. Regardless of how it happens, who it involves, or whether the behavior is illegal or against university policy, people can seek support from OVA.

People react to someone engaging in behaviors that may be stalking in a variety of ways. Some may seem irritated or angry rather than scared, while others may minimize and dismiss the experience as “no big deal.” Irritation, anger, hopelessness, despair, or minimization may be masking fear. It can be helpful to recognize how victims may change their behaviors or daily routine to cope with the stalking as an indication of fear or emotional distress.(Adaptedfrom )

Examples of various behaviors that individuals may engage in as part of a course (repeated pattern) of conduct that could be stalking

  • unwanted contact via mail, email, texts, DM, and phone calls, or online via social media or apps.
  • unwanted notes, gifts or flowers left on a car or place of residence.
  • observing/following and “coincidentally” showing up at a location.
  • waiting outside class, work or next to the person’s mode of transportation.
  • information gathering/contacting friends, family to learn more about the person, or to contact the person.
  • disparaging messages or images online, in discussion groups.
  • false reports to authorities.
  • trying to sabotage someone’s life by making them question their perception of events (i.e., gaslighting) or threatening to cause harm, expose secrets, or humiliate them if they don’t comply with demands.
  • vandalism or destruction of property, sabotage of school or job work.
  • threatening mail, email, notes, text messages and/orphone calls(threats direct, implied or symbolic).
  • breaking into a person's home, car, email, social media, etc. and sometimes leaving evidence of the break in or hack.

Remember: Stalking is a pattern of behavior. Some of the above behaviors that make up the crime of stalking are criminal on their own and some are not. For example, one incident of leaving someone a gift or sending a text after they have indicated they do not want to be contactedmay not be stalking. What matters is the pattern and context of the behavior and the impact of these behaviors on the victim. The person who is following, watching, and/or harassing may have various motives, but the impact on the person being stalked is the most important aspect of assessing the situation.

Explore your options

For content-specific information about reporting see below. For general information about reporting and the possibilities of working with systems visit our reporting page orvisit website.

Police

There are several levels of intervention that can help in dealing with persistent unwanted behavior and reporting to the police is one option. Reporting to the police can take many forms and doesn’t always have to lead to the filing of criminal charges. Some victims simply want to file an “informational” report with the intention of making the police aware of their situation, but without pursuing charges. Other people are interested in having the police contact the person and give a verbal warning. At the same time, many people choose to file criminal charges. This might include getting names of witnesses, saving emails, text messages or voice messages related to the incident as well as taking pictures of injuries, damage, graffiti or supporting materials. If an arrest is made and you would like to be notified when the perpetrator/suspect is released from jail please sign up for . OVA can talk with you about reporting options and be an advocate for you throughout the process.

Please note: if you are currently in or had a previous dating relationship with the person who isstalking you, the police may classify it as intimate partner violence and if so and they have probable cause they would need to make an arrest due to the Colorado mandatory arrest law in cases of domestic violence/ intimate partner abuse.

Reporting to CU's Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance

If you have experienced stalking by a CU student, faculty, or staff you can report to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). OIEC can address concerns through a formal investigation or an educational resolution (which does not include an investigation but focuses on interventions to stop the behavior). In formal investigation and there is a finding of a policy violation, sanctions will be put in place through the university. OIEC’s process is separate from the criminal justice system and is administrative through the university. In some cases OIEC may need to make a limited report to the police. In addition to conducting investigations, OIEC can also provide interim and remedial measures including no contact orders, academic remedial measures, and more. .

To file a report you can contact OIEC directly at 303-492-2127, complete an , or work with the Office of Victim Assistance to provide advocacy in the reporting process. If you are unsure about reporting, please contact OVA and we can talk through the OIEC process with you confidentially to assist you in your decision making process.

If you are concerned that you are being stalked, it may be useful to talk with someone who is knowledgeable about the issue. Click here for more information on the wide range of impacts someone may experience related to stalking. Practicing self care, taking care of basic needs ( eating, sleeping, staying hydrated, exercise) andreaching out for support can make a difference. Informal support such as friends, family,and colleagues can bea great resource. In addition, OVA is free and confidential and here to be a resource for counseling, advocacy, information on rights and options, safety planning and providing information, referrals, and consultation on additional campus and community resources.

Some things you might discuss when meeting with OVA include:

  • figuring out what you feel and think about what’s going on.
  • getting information that will help you assess the situation, and figure out what you want.
  • discussing your rights and reporting options.
  • how to manage your academics, or work.
  • making a safety plan, there are many strategies available.
  • getting medical treatment if you have injuries or are worried about your health.
  • changing routines, assessing safety and impact.
  • keep track of/log what is happening
  • discussing self-care and coping skills.

*If seeking support from CU staff or faculty, If you wish to not have the information shared with the Office of Institutional Equity andCompliance consider reaching out to a confidential resource such as OVA.

If you are not ready to talk to somebody but want to get more information about your situation, the web is a great place to do that. If you are concerned about privacy, you should know that most computers keep track of websites you visit. If you are concerned about this please review how to clear your web browser's history or use a public computer such as at a lab on campus, a public library or at a friend’s house.

If supporting someone being stalked, visit our how to help page.

If your current housing situation is no longer safe or comfortable, OVA can discuss options for a change of housing. There may also be the option to move the alleged perpetrator if they live in CU housing with assistance from OIEC.

If you are worried about how this situation may be impacting your schoolwork, OVA is here to help. You deserve to be in school and to meet your goals. The OVA can discuss options for managing academic issues while maintaining privacy and may be able to contact professors.

A protection order is a civil legal document obtained through the courts that puts restrictions on individuals who may be dangerous to you. If they violate these restrictions they can be sanctioned by the court. If you have questions about obtaining a protection order you can talk to a confidential OVA advocate counselor,call the Boulder Protective Order Clinic at 303-441-4867, contact , or go to the

If someone is arrested for domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault, and the suspect is released from jail, a criminal no contact order is usually issued by the courts for the duration of the criminal case.

Resources