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Indiana University Indianapolis Division of Student Affairs
JANUARY IS STALKING PREVENTION MONTH

Cyberstalking isn’t romantic

Learn more about stalking behaviors and how to identify them to keep yourself and others safe.

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What is the difference between stalking and cyberstalking?

Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person's safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Cyberstalking is the use of electronic means to consistently harass a person or group of people to the point that a reasonable person would feel fear. In a day and age where technology is such a large part of our daily lives, cyberstalking continues to happen at higher rates.

Examples of stalking and cyberstalking behavior include (but are not limited to):

  • Sending a person unwanted gifts
  • Showing up at a person’s place of employment without being invited
  • Physically following a person
  • Following a targeted person online on multiple platforms
  • Messaging the targeted person repeatedly
  • Stealing and/or releasing personal information online
  • Creating fake accounts to follow the targeted person

Remember it is never the targeted person’s fault if they are being stalked or cyberstalked. Stalking behavior is harmful and not welcome at IU Indianapolis.   

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Cybersecurity pointers

Consider implementing the following things in your day-to-day to help keep you safe.

  • Take advantage of security settings on public platforms (i.e. make your profile private) 
  • Create strong passwords for your phone and accounts 
  • Use generic screen names
  • Avoid sharing personal or confidential information on public platforms  
  • Report user behavior that makes you feel threatened or uncomfortable 
  • Most platforms have an option to report suspicious behavior—if you see something, say something
How to stay safe online
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3 D’s of Bystander Intervention

If you see harmful behaviors happening on our campus, you have the power to step up as an active bystander.  

  1. Direct. Immediately take steps to address the situation. An example of this could be addressing a friend when you see them practicing problematic behavior and explaining to them why it could be harmful.  
  2. Distract. Create a distraction to interrupt the harm and give the person experiencing harm an opportunity to remove themselves from the situation.  
  3. Delegate. Find a friend, authority figure, or someone around you to help you intervene if needed.

Remember: the purpose of bystander intervention is always de-escalation. When intervening, make sure you are safe and making the situation safer for everyone involved. 

Learn more about Bystander Intervention