January marks the beginning of National Stalking Awareness month. It is estimated that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men will experience stalking in their lifetime, with over 80% of stalkers being an acquaintance (classmate, friend, co-worker, neighbor) or intimate partner of the victim.  Young adults ages 18-24 experience the highest rates of stalking victimization than any other group, especially on college campuses.

Stalking is a form of violence/abuse and is a crime in all 50 states.Stalking victims can experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions as a result. 

Stalking behaviors are unwanted, obsessive, and repeated. These behaviors can include:

• Unwanted contact with the victim or their family and friends

• Leaving voice messages or voicemails

• Obsessive texting 

• Spreading rumors 

• Damaging personal property

• Spying and following the victim or their family and friends

• Showing up to places without consent 

• Leaving gifts

• Waiting for the victim

With social media having such a large presence in some of our lives, cyberstalking has become another form of violence to contend with. Cyberstalking occurs when someone uses technology - social media platforms, messaging apps, or other online spaces to persistently harass someone. They may make posts of the victim, share personal information or photographs to harass or blackmail the victim. Cyberstalking is just as fear inducing as stalking that takes place in-person, and may require support from law enforcement for protection.  

Stalking victims are more likely to tell their friends and families than other resources like campus law enforcement. If a friend has confided in you that they are being stalked by someone in-person or online, here are a few things you can do to help them get the support they may need. 

• Encourage them to contact UMBC Campus police (410-455-5555) to file a report documenting each stalking incident and to begin the process of obtaining a restraining order. 

• Stalking can also be reported to the Office of Equity & Inclusion (OEI) using this form - anonymous is an option, but that can impact any investigation Learn more information on the OEI Team, and connect with them by visiting the OEI website.

• Refer them to the Counseling Center so that they can talk to our mental health professionals about their experiences and how it may be impacting their mental health.

• Contact the UMBC Women's Center for support and resources.

Remember, if someone tells you that your behavior or communication with them is overwhelming and makes them feel uncomfortable, then you are required to leave them alone. Or else, they have every right to contact law enforcement for assistance.  

Other helpful community resources: 

• Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence

• Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault

• Women's Law

• National Center for Victims of Crime

Let's be honest, talking about suicide isn't always an easy conversation for some people to have. Often times, people can become visibly uncomfortable just at the mention of the word "suicide." There are lots of people who don't feel comfortable telling others that they feel distressed or are experiencing a crisis. 

Breaking the stigma

When we don't discuss topics like suicide and emotional crisis, people might not reach out for help when they need it the most. For persons who have had suicidal thoughts, they might feel shame or stigma. For people who are experiencing emotional crises, they might feel like they are alone.

It's time we start shifting our conversations and saying, "It's okay to talk about suicide" and to say, "I need help." It's not just okay to talk to about suicide and say you need help, it's also okay to reach out and get help. Research has shown that talking about suicide and emotional crisis can actually help save lives. 

When we talk about suicide or experiencing emotional distress, we make these conversations less taboo. Talking about it is a way to empower yourself and others to feel comfortable getting help.

What you should know

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the United States (US) among persons 15-24 years old. As a community, we can all do something to help lower this statistic. One of the simple things we can do is to know the factors that can increase risk for suicide and the protective factors that lower risk.

 Risk factors can include: 

• Depression

• Ongoing physical health issues, such as chronic pain

• Access to lethal means, such as drugs or firearms

• Childhood abuse or trauma

Protective factors can include: 

• Community and family support

• Healthy problem-solving and coping skills

• Access to timely mental health care and services

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. "988" is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect persons directly to trained crisis counselors.

These trained counselors will listen, understand how the caller's problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources as necessary.  

You can call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org/chat  to receive support from one of their trained counselors.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they can receive support for mental health related distress. That could be:

• Thoughts of suicide

• Mental health or substance use crisis, or

• Any other kind of emotional distress. 

If you have more questions about 988, please visit their website. 

When should you call 988?

If Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) is closed or you just need to talk to a trained mental health counselor for a suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis, call, text, or chat 988.

Retriever Integrated Health

For more help regarding suicide or emotional distress, visit Retriever Integrated Health at health.umbc.edu for information on:

• Individual and group counseling support

• Online tools to support your well-being journey 

Office of Health Promotion

The Office of Health Promotion (OHP) offers events and trainings related to suicide prevention and helping our community members get help. Visit the OHP myUMBC page for up-to-date offerings. Contact OHP at ohp@umbc.edu to invite Health Promotion staff to your office or group meeting.