Just Advocating for Policy Changes
Advocating for Policy Changes
Just Stalking is working to advocate for policy changes within public and private agencies, organizations, and businesses throughout the state. It is imperative that individuals who enter an environment are informed of their risk of stalking violence, as well as how to report their stalking victimization if it occurs. The processes and procedures should not be complex nor hidden, nor worse yet, nonexistent. A process should be in place for which they can report their victimization. Victims should be advised on steps to take, and resources to obtain, particularly if the stalking is not within the realm of domestic violence (DV).
Suggestions, help, or Concerns
We are here to help. If your organization wants to create a stalking policy, and would like assistance, please feel free to contact us. Additionally, if you would like to refer your agency to us, please contact us. If you currently have a stalking policy you would like to share with us and our community, please reach out. Thank you!
Just a safer community
Grade Schools
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and Universities
School environments need to better warn students, and staff, about the warning signs of stalking. Stalking is often absorbed into other types of bullying and assault warnings and trainings, however, stalking has unique characteristics. Stalking can be carried out within a cyber context or within a physical space.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and Universities have unique challenges. They may have responsibilities for students, staff, professors, and visitors on campus or other university property, and while performing duties for the schools off-campus, such as internships. It is important that staff clarify the risk factors of stalking as it relates to certain environments, behaviors, as well as career fields.
First responders
Colleges and Universities
First responders
911 dispatchers have the responsibility to recognize the seriousness of stalkers and their proximity to their victims. Additionally, police officers must receive better training to recognize stalking behavior. They also must be able to address it when it is occurring, such as removing offenders who have violated PPOs.
Employers
See something, Say something
First responders
Employers must have up to date harassment and stalking policies that are distinct from sexual harassment and sexual assault policies. These policies should address how DV/IPV stalking that impacts the workplace is handled as well as how work-related stalking or harassment is addressed. Employers should also address policies for victims' safety planning, as well as any PTO outside of their allocated time that they may need regarding these concerns.
The public
See something, Say something
See something, Say something
Neighborhood watch programs can be a deterrent to crime and can alert potential victims and first responders. While there may not be policies requiring individuals to alert each other or first responders, programs such as neighborhood watch should outline more specifically the potential signs of stalking behavior, so neighbors can be more vigilantes and inform others. Follow-up and follow-through, however is vital to this process.
See something, Say something
See something, Say something
See something, Say something
The best thing we can all do is participate. Be a good neighbor, employer, employee, classmate, or friend. If you see behavior that is potentially inappropriate speak out. Do not wait for the behavior to escalate. Tell the person or a trusted individual. It's better to be safe than sorry.