Stalking Awareness

JSU Prohibits Stalking on Any Measures

JSU defines stalking as engaging in a course of conduct 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.

A "course of conduct" refers to a pattern of behavior of two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the respondent directly, indirectly, or through a third party/parties - by any action, method, device, or means- follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person or interferes with a person's property.

Stalking can also include cyber-stalking, a particular form of stalking in which technological means are used.

It is significant to note the importance of preserving evidence that may assist in proving that the alleged criminal offense occurred or that may be helpful in obtaining a protection order.

JSU will make accommodations and provide protective measures for the victim if requested and reasonably available.

Reduce Your Risk if You or Someone You Know is Being Stalked

  • Tell someone.
  • Keep a record.
  • Set clear boundaries.
  • Change your routine.
  • Be prepared to reach out.
  • Develop a safety plan.

If You Are Being Stalked...

  • Preserve evidence
    • This is important to prove that the alleged criminal offense occurred and may be helpful in obtaining a protection order.
  • Who should you report to?
    • UPD
    • Office of Community Standards and Student Ethics, or
    • Title IX Coordinator.
    Options about law enforcement involvement and campus authorities:
    • Notify law enforcement authorities, including on-campus and local police.
    • Be assisted by campus authorities in notifying law enforcement.
    • Decline to notify the authorities.
  • If the victim or JSU finds it necessary, "no contact" orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders can be issued by the court or the institution.

If You are a Bystander...

Most victims of stalking talk to someone they trust before contacting additional support. So what should you do as a bystander?

  • Encourage them to seek help and document the stalking.
  • Respect the victim's boundaries.
  • Refer them to resources to make an individual safety plan and learn more about stalking.
  • Check in.
  • Third party witnesses are encouraged to say something to the victim or report to resources.

For more bystander tips, visit stalkingawareness.org.

JSU Will Protect the Privacy of Victims and Other Necessary Parties

  • There will be complete publicly available record keeping, including Clery Act reporting and disclosures, without inclusion of personally identifying information about the victim, as defined by VAWA.
  • Any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victim will remain private, yet privacy will not impair the ability to provide accommodations or protective measures.

Title IX Investigation Proceedings

Title IX Proceedings- formal complaint filed, formal investigation, evidence review, hearing, hearing decision, and appeal

Have Questions? View the Title IX Grievance Procedure

Need a Physical Paper Copy of the Sex-Based Harassment and Misconduct Policy, including the Grievance Procedure? Get your free copy from the Dean of Students, Human Resources, or Title IX.

Alabama Criminal Code

  • The crime of stalking in the first degree is a Class C felony.
    • This is defined as a person who intentionally and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a threat, either expressed or implied, with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily harm.
    • A person who violates these provisions and whose conduct in doing so also violates any court order or injunction is guilty of the crime of aggravated stalking in the first degree as a Class B felony.
  • The crime of stalking in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor.
    • This is defined as a person who, acting with an improper purpose, intentionally and repeatedly follows, harasses, telephones, or initiates communication, verbally, electronically, or otherwise, with another person, any member of the other person's immediate family, or any third party with whom the other person is acquainted, and causes material harm to the mental or emotional health of the other person, or causes such person to reasonably fear that his or her employment, business, or career is threatened, and the perpetrator was previously informed to cease that conduct.
    • A person who violates these provisions and whose conduct in doing so also violates any court order or injunction is guilty of the crime of aggravated stalking in the second degree as a Class C felony.
  • Aggravated stalking can be defined as if a person put someone under surveillance or contact them in violation of a protective order, restraining order, probation, parole terms, or preliminary or permanent injunction.

Stalking Awareness Guide

The content of this page is available in the form of a printable flyer designed by JSU Social Work student Bailey Nelson.

Download the Stalking Awareness Guide

Questions? Concerns?

Contact the Title IX Coordinator

Suite 301-A, Angle Hall
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
256-782-5769