Stalking Awareness

JSU Prohibits Stalking on Any Measures

JSU defines stalking as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person's safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.

A "course of conduct" refers to a pattern of behavior of two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the respondent directly, indirectly, or through a third party/parties - by any action, method, device, or means- follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person or interferes with a person's property.

Stalking can also include cyber-stalking, a particular form of stalking in which technological means are used.

It is significant to note the importance of preserving evidence that may assist in proving that the alleged criminal offense occurred or that may be helpful in obtaining a protection order.

JSU will make accommodations and provide protective measures for the victim if requested and reasonably available.

JSU Will Protect the Privacy of Victims and Other Necessary Parties

• There will be complete publicly available record keeping, including Clery Act reporting and disclosures, without inclusion of personally identifying information about the victim, as defined by VAWA.
• Any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victim will remain private, yet privacy will not impair the ability to provide accommodations or protective measures.

Alabama Criminal Code

• The crime of stalking in the first degree is a Class C felony.
  • This is defined as a person who intentionally and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a threat, either expressed or implied, with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily harm.
  • A person who violates these provisions and whose conduct in doing so also violates any court order or injunction is guilty of the crime of aggravated stalking in the first degree as a Class B felony.

• The crime of stalking in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor.
  • This is defined as a person who, acting with an improper purpose, intentionally and repeatedly follows, harasses, telephones, or initiates communication, verbally, electronically, or otherwise, with another person, any member of the other person's immediate family, or any third party with whom the other person is acquainted, and causes material harm to the mental or emotional health of the other person, or causes such person to reasonably fear that his or her employment, business, or career is threatened, and the perpetrator was previously informed to cease that conduct.
  • A person who violates these provisions and whose conduct in doing so also violates any court order or injunction is guilty of the crime of aggravated stalking in the second degree as a Class C felony.

• Aggravated stalking can be defined as if a person put someone under surveillance or contact them in violation of a protective order, restraining order, probation, parole terms, or preliminary or permanent injunction.