Stalking
How to report Stalking
In an emergency call 911
Report to SCF Public Safety at 941-752-5550
Confidential Reporting Link, SPARCC 941-365-1976 for Sarasota County, Centerstone 941-708-6059 for Manatee County,
Campus Ministry 941-752-5607
What is Stalking?
Repeated, unwanted attention; physical, verbal, or electronic contact; or any other
course of conduct directed at an individual that is sufficiently serious to cause
physical, emotional, or psychological fear or distress or to create a hostile, intimidating
or abusive environment for a reasonable person in similar circumstances and with similar
identities. Stalking may involve individuals who are known to one or another, who
have a current or previous relationship, or who are strangers. Stalking includes the
concept of cyber-stalking, a particular form of stalking in which electronic media
such as the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar
devices or forms of contact are used to pursue, harass, or to make unwelcome contact
with another person in an unsolicited fashion.
Signs that it could be stalking:
- Being followed, with or without knowledge
- Calling or texting excessively
- Knowing the person’s schedule and/or showing up at places
- Threatening to harm the person, their friends, family, pets
- Damaging property
- It can even look romantic or non-threatening, like cards, flowers, emails, etc., but if this behavior is unwanted, it could be stalking.
Where to find support?
- Counseling Information 941-752-5107
- Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) 941.365.1976
- Hope Family Services 941.747.8499
- Sarasota Sheriff's Office 941.861.5800
- Sarasota Police Department 941.366.8000
- Manatee Sheriff's Office 941.747.8011 ext. 8401
- Bradenton Police Department 941.932.9300
- Palmetto Police Department 941.723.4585 ext. 6126
- Charlotte County Sheriff's Office 941.205.5636
- Victim Assistance for Venice Police Department & North Port Police Department is offered by the Sarasota Sheriff's Office 941.861.5800
- National Stalking Resource Center