Harassment & Stalking

Harassment and stalking can take many forms. Common behaviors may include:

• Repeated unwanted contact — persistent phone calls, text messages, emails, direct messages, or other unwanted attempts to communicate.
• Following or showing up unexpectedly — appearing at your home, workplace, classroom, residence hall, or other places you regularly visit.
• Monitoring your activities — watching your movements, tracking your schedule, or repeatedly appearing where you are.
• Technology-facilitated harassment — excessive messaging, monitoring social media, creating fake accounts, impersonating you, sharing private information, or using technology to intimidate or monitor you.
• Unwanted gifts or deliveries — repeatedly sending letters, packages, flowers, or other items.
• Contact through others — asking friends, family, coworkers, or classmates to contact you or obtain information about you.
• Property damage or vandalism — damaging belongings or leaving items intended to frighten or intimidate you.
• Tracking or surveillance — using GPS devices, location-sharing applications, hidden cameras, or other technology to monitor your whereabouts without your permission. 
• Escalating behavior — conduct that becomes more frequent, intrusive, or threatening over time.

You do not have to wait for someone's behavior to become more serious before seeking support. If you are concerned about someone's actions or they are affecting your sense of safety or well-being, UTPD Victim Services is available to help you understand your options and connect you with resources.

Every situation is unique, and there is no "right" way to respond to harassment or stalking. Whether you choose to report to law enforcement, pursue university resources, or simply want to discuss your concerns, UTPD Victim Services is here to provide information about how harassment concerns are addressed, how a case may be evaluated, and what support and resources are available. Our services are free and available regardless of whether you choose to report to law enforcement or the University.

Victim Services can assist with:

Emotional Support & Crisis Intervention

• Helping individuals process their emotions and regain a sense of safety and control.

Safety Planning

• Develop a personalized safety plan for home, work, campus, and online.

Understanding Your Options

• Explain the criminal justice process, victim rights, and reporting options.

• Explain Title IX, supportive measures, and available university resources.

Protective Measures

• Provide information about Protective Orders, Criminal Trespass Warnings, campus safety measures, and other available protective options.

Documentation & Practical Assistance

• Provide guidance on documenting unwanted behavior that may assist with future reporting or investigations.

• Discuss digital safety, privacy concerns, and technology-facilitated harassment.

Referrals & Advocacy

• Connect you with counseling, legal resources, emergency housing, medical care, and community services based on your needs.

Every situation is unique. The following information provides general safety considerations and may not be appropriate for every circumstance. Victim Services can work with you to develop a personalized safety plan based on your needs.

If You Are In Immediate Danger

• Call 911 if you believe you are in immediate danger.
• Trust your instincts. If you believe your safety is at risk, leave the area if it is safe to do so.
• If possible, go to a public place or somewhere with other people until you are safe.
• Tell someone you trust what is happening and where you are.

Documenting the Behavior

• Save text messages, emails, voicemails, screenshots, photographs, or other evidence.
• Keep a record of dates, times, locations, witnesses, and descriptions of each incident when possible.
• Avoid deleting unwanted communications, even if they are upsetting, as the may be helpful if you decide to report the behavior later.
• If property is damaged or unwanted items are left for you, photograph them before removing or disposing of them when it is safe to do so.

Digital Safety

• Change passwords for your email, social media, financial, and other important accounts.
• Review your privacy settings, limit location sharing on social media and mobile applications.
• Check your devices and online accounts for shared access, unknown logins, or unauthorized connected devices.
• Consider creating new passwords that are unique and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.

On Campus

• Talk with Victim Services about campus safety measures, housing concerns, classroom or workplace safety, transportation options, and other university resources.
• Consider varying your daily routine, travel routes, or parking locations if you believe someone is monitoring your movements.
• Let trusted friends, coworkers, classmates, supervisors, or faculty members know about your concerns if they can help increase your safety.
• Consider using available university safety resources, such as the LiveSafe app, SureWalk, or UT Night Rides, when appropriate.

Reporting Escalating Behavior

• Report behavior that becomes more frequent, threatening, or causes you to fear for your safety or the safety of others.
• If you choose to report, documentation of unwanted behavior may assist law enforcement or university officials.
• UTPD Victim Services can explain reporting options, Protective Orders, Criminal Trespass Warnings, Title IX supportive measures, and other available resources.