Findings from a Random Sample of College Women on Stalking and Subsequent Help-Seeking Behaviors: Implications for School and College Health

College students experience violence at annual rates lower than those for nonstudents in the same age group. However, according to the American College Health Association, certain forms of violence such as stalking may be of particular concern for college campuses.

Our purpose was to assess the incidence of stalking victimization and subsequent help-seeking behaviors among college women, and classify risk factors for women reporting such victimization.

In spring 2006, as part of an evaluation of a university-based violence prevention initiative, a random sample of female undergraduate/graduate students (stratified by class, e.g., freshman) were invited to participate in an anonymous Internet-based questionnaire examining violence victimization and subsequent help-seeking behaviors. The overall study sample consisted of 391 women (35.4% response rate). Analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square cross-tabulations using SPSS 14.

One-fifth of women reported stalking victimization while enrolled at their current institution. Individuals known by victims were most commonly reported as stalkers—acquaintances (48.7%), classmates (37.2%), and boyfriends/ex-boyfriends (34.6%). Half reporting stalking victimization acknowledged not seeking help from anyone related to these incidents. Of those seeking some sort of help, most sought assistance from friends (90.2%), parents (29.3%), residence hall advisors (12.2%), and/or police (7.3%). Risk factors for stalking victimization included sorority membership (p=.03), living on campus (p=.05), and being a rape/attempted rape victim (p<.001).

Comparing our findings to a national study of college women, we report that being watched, followed/spied on, and sent unsolicited e-mails are stalking behaviors on the rise. Implications for school/college health are discussed.