Stalking
Dealing with a stalker
If you are the victim of stalking on campus or elsewhere, the Dean of Students office is here to help you get the law enforcement and legal assistance you need to put a stop to this criminal behavior.
Stalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress. Any person employed at an institution who witnesses a stalking incident on campus or receives a report from an enrolled student must report it to the dean of students of the institution. The dean of students compiles reports for the purpose of disseminating statistical information.
The UW-Eau Claire Dean of Students Office takes stalking incidents seriously and will investigate. Information regarding emotional, medical, legal, and other support resources for victims is available through the Dean of Students Office and University Police. **A VICTIM NAME IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS REPORT**
Victims are not required to give their name when reporting stalking. However, if the victim’s name is provided, the Dean of Students Office will be able to assist the victim in a variety of ways. Assistance could include providing alternate living locations in residence halls, alternate enrollments in courses and academic arrangements, parking arrangements, safety planning, referrals to on and off campus resources and assistance in obtaining “No-contact” or “Restraining Orders.”
Victims are also not required to provide the name of the perpetrator, however, if identifying information is provided, the Dean of Students office will investigate and take action under the Blugold Student Conduct Code.
Report a stalking incident
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Student Disciplinary Procedures (University of Wisconsin System - Chapter UWS 17) provides specific authority for the University to discipline students who engage in conduct which constitutes a danger to the personal safety of others. Section 17.06(1) authorizes disciplinary action against a student “for intentional conduct which constitutes a serious danger to the personal safety of other members of the University community or guests.” Disciplinary sanctions under this provision would include actions affecting the status of the student including probation, suspension or expulsion. A full description of these procedures is available on request from the Dean of Students Office.
Local responding agencies
Students are also encouraged to notify the University Police (715-836-2222) or the Eau Claire Police Department (9-911 from on-campus phones; 911 from a pay phone or off-campus phones) if they are the victim of stalking. Whether or not the student decides to press charges, reporting the event(s) can help you to better understand your options and help you to start safety planning.
Students can also seek confidential services from the the UWEC Counseling Services, and Student Health Service and the Bolton Refuge House (715) 834-9578. These services will help you explore the range of options available to you, and they serve all students regardless of gender. You will not be pressured to make a Dean of Students or police report if you don't want to do so.
Dynamics of Stalking
Understanding the dynamics, warning signs and available resources is vital to stopping the stalking. This link provides more information from the Stalking Resource Center.
Bystander Intervention
You can play a vital role in the prevention of stalking by being able to identify unsafe situations and knowing when and how to intervene safely. UW-Eau Claire provides bystander intervention training, please contact the Dean of Students for information about upcoming training.
Safety Planning
Learn to take steps to protect your safety. The Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire will assist you to develop a plan to increase your safety and help with other steps as necessary such as filing a restraining order or reporting to the Dean of Students or the police. The National Center for Victims of Crime has resources for safety planning available online.