January is National Stalking Awareness Month

Each January, the University of Arizona community participates in National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM) to bring attention to the harm caused by stalking. In the spirit of NSAM's theme, Know It, Name It, Stop It, we ask all Wildcats to take time this month to learn more about recognizing and preventing all forms of stalking, including cyberstalking. Visit the university's NSAM 2026 website to access supports and resources available to survivors, connect to hotlines, protective services, events and campus resources, and download a Zoom or Teams background. Students, faculty and staff are also welcome to attend the university's Stalking Awareness Resource Fair on the U of A Mall on Jan. 21.

Stalking can occur in person and electronically. Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their own safety or the safety of others; or to suffer substantial emotional distress. Perpetrators often use technology, including social media, to track, harass, and intimidate their victims. Behavior could involve sending unwanted texts or emails, tracking someone’s location, recording a victim secretly, or releasing private information or media online. Abusive, harassing behavior is serious, and stalking is a violation of university policy. 

Stalking, including stalking involving technology, is unfortunately prevalent. Every year approximately 13 million people in the United States are stalked, and 41% of undergraduate students report being the victims of tech-facilitated stalking. Stalking is not allowed at the University of Arizona. If someone's behavior, including their digital behavior, is causing safety concerns, all Wildcats should know the behavior is not acceptable and there are resources available. More information is available at the university's NSAM 2026 website, as well as the Office of Institutional Equity employee support webpage and student support webpage.