"When Safety & Faith Intersect: Understanding, Responding, and Addressing Stalking at a Faith-Based Institution"

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Abstract

Stalking is a public health concern that affects college students (CDC, 2023). We are living in a digital age where Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and TikTok have made it easier to target one’s partner. This research assessed students’ perceptions of and experiences with stalking to better describe its prevalence. The study reports on a non-probability quantitative sample and one-on-one in-depth interviews. A MANOVA results yielded differences in students’ experiences with stalking based on age, gender, and sexual orientation. In conclusion, more attention should be spent on stalking, cultural stigmas, practical strategies, power dynamics, the Title IX process, and available resources, in order to better address stalking at a faith-based institution. In turn, such practices will create a safer space for all students, staff, and faculty.

Authors

• Candice Williams, Azusa Pacific University

• Jade Cerda, Azusa Pacific University

• Elsie Figueroa, Azusa Pacific University

• Elijah Frandsen, Azusa Pacific University