The Health Promotion Office invited students, faculty and staff to learn how to protect themselves through recognizing the signs of stalking. Five speakers participated in last week’s panel at Copeland Hall.
The panelists informed attendees that stalking could happen to anyone at any point.
“Our goal today was to make sure people understood the resources available to them on campus and in the community,” said Nikki Gausman, executive director at The S.A.F.E. Center. “If they should encounter stalking in their own lives, they will be able to help themselves, friends and family.”
The S.A.F.E. Center is a non-profit organization located in Kearney that helps those in need with sexual assault, sex trafficking or stalking.
The panel provided charts and resource information about the signs of stalking, when someone should speak up and when to get help. There are cases where victims are aware of the problem but are embarrassed to say anything or don’t know what steps to take.
Gausman said stalking has lost its meaning in the modern day, but it should be taken seriously when something feels off.
“We’re seeing different patterns in terms of stalking so it’s important to educate (on) the different platforms it happens on,” said Kayleigh Dawson, assistant director at UNK’s Office of Equity and Compliance. “Let someone know, whether it’s a counseling office, friends or family that something is going on.”
The speakers on the panel encouraged audience members to take steps to ensure their safety when it comes to stalking. Stalkers will not go away easily, so it is important to act when possible.
“People deserve to feel safe in their environment and at the university,” said Ted Eichhoiz, assistant chief of the UNK Police Department. “If something doesn’t feel right, then you can give UNK Police a call and one of the officers will help you.”
Stalking happens to one in three women and one in six men, and it can happen to anyone regardless of their background. A 2024 National Stalking Awareness Month graph displayed at the panel revealed that 42% of stalkers are acquaintances and 40% are intimate partners.
Gausman said there are lots of resources on campus, in the community and online for those seeking help.
“The great thing about the group that was here today is we all work together on multiple projects,” Gausman said. “We’re right here in person and support people so we’re doing the right thing for them.”
