Stalking FAQs

Stalking is legally defined as an act that occurs when a person, with the intent to cause another person to fear for his/her physical safety, willfully and repeatedly follows or lies in wait for such other person and causes such other person to reasonably fear for his/her physical safety. In other words, a person engages in a pattern of following you or lying in wait that causes you to believe that the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress to you. Plain and simple, stalking is unwanted pursuit, and is a crime in Florida and a violation of University Policies.

There are several signs that are good indicators of stalking behavior. It is also important to consider the intensity of such behaviors.

• Persistent phone calls despite being told not to contact you in any form.
• Waiting at your workplace, residence hall, or in your neighborhood.
• Surveillance/following/pursuit.
• Sending persistent unwanted written messages.
• Sending gifts (romantic, bizarre, sinister, or perverted).

There is no guaranteed way to identify potential stalkers, but there are some common personality traits. Here are some warning signs in intimate partner/domestic violence stalkers: Self-centered, extremely jealous, possessive, obsessive, needs to control, unwilling to consider someone else’s viewpoint, refusal to cope with rejection, quick and frequent swings from “rage” to “love,” manipulative, and constantly questioning or interrogating.

However, the lack of these qualities is not a guarantee of safety – a stalker can be adept at concealing certain characteristics. Also, these traits might not be apparent until the person is threatened by a loss of control, such as a breakup of the relationship.

Yes, extremely. The stalker is someone who is not willing to listen to anyone else and could choose to do anything to the victim. Stalking often occurs over an extended period of time and may result in serious physical and mental health consequences to the victim. Without a swift, strong, consistent criminal justice response, stalkers may feel justified in continuing and even escalating their behavior.

Please review https://letsbeclear.ucf.edu/get-help/