Stalking is often misunderstood, especially in a college environment where frequent communication and overlapping social spaces can blur boundaries. Stalking is a pattern of unwanted contact or monitoring that causes fear, anxiety or disruption to your daily life. While stalking is not widespread at Case Western Reserve University, national data shows it is more common than people realize. And on a campus where routines are predictable, it can escalate quickly. CWRU takes stalking seriously, and resources are available across campus to help.
Stalking often appears in ways that feel easy to dismiss. Digital harassment, such as constant messages, fake accounts or attempts to track your location, can feel like just another part of being online, especially when so much of student life happens through your phone. In person, physical surveillance can show up in ways that seem casual at first. Someone might repeatedly appear outside your residence hall, wait near your classroom, show up at the dining hall right when you do or attend campus events you never mentioned. Over time, those coincidences start forming a pattern that is hard to ignore.
Some people cross lines by digging into your personal information or reaching out to your friends to keep tabs on you. Others escalate by using intimidation, damaging property or sending messages meant to pressure or scare you.
None of these actions are signs of care or persistence. They are violations of your safety and autonomy. People engage in stalking for different reasons. Some are rejected stalkers, former partners or friends trying to regain control. Others act from grievance (resentful stalkers), believe a relationship exists when it does not (intimacy seeking stalkers), misread boundaries (incompetent suitors) or pursue harmful intent (predatory stalkers).
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states. If you are feeling watched, overwhelmed by messages or constantly bracing for someone to show up, trust your instincts. Document what is happening, loop in people you trust and reach out for support to one or more of the resources listed here:
If you feel unsafe:
- CWRU Public Safety
- Campus Location: 1689 E. 115th St.
- Phone: 216.368.3333
- Email: publicsafety@case.edu
- Stay Safe and Connected with Spartan Safe - Members of the Case Western Reserve community are encouraged to download Spartan Safe from the iPhone App Store or Google Play.
For No Contact Directives, an investigation or resources for support:
- CWRU Office of Equity
- Phone: 216.368.3066
- Text: 216.327.4160
- Email: equity@case.edu
For non-clinical consultation, resources and basic needs assistance:
- Office of the Dean of Students
- Phone: 216.368.1527
- Email: deanofstudents@case.edu
For confidential consultation, including health and wellness:
- University Health & Counseling Services (UHCS) is available for same-day or next day appointments. Students can schedule appointments online at myhealthconnect.case.edu or by callingCounseling Services at 216.368.5872 or Health Services at 216.368.2450 (these numbers also reach our counselor on-call and nurse on-call during times UHCS is closed). CWRU provides 24/7 virtual medical and mental health support options through TimelyCare, available to all students.
- Confidential Advocate for Gender-Based Violence (Flora Stone Mather Center for Women). Confidential Advocates can support you with safety planning so you feel and are safer on and off campus, talk to you about available options and resources, and support you as you navigate your experience.
- Phone: 216.368.0985
- Email: cwruadvocate@case.edu
