Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted behaviour targeting a specific person, which causes that person to fear for their safety or experience significant emotional distress.
Stalking is not your fault. Whether it's digital, emotional, or physical, repeated unwanted attention that causes fear is a serious issue. You deserve to feel safe on and off campus. If you or someone you know needs help or information, our list of on- and off-campus resources below can provide support.
Supports
On-Campus Supports
Lethbridge Polytechnic students and employees can contact a specially trained GBSV Student Support Advisor through Wellness Services, and that person can explain options available to you such as counselling, medical and reporting. The advisor can also direct you to the right supports, including academic considerations to support you during your journey. Wellness Services is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Phone: 403-320-3289
Email: GBSVsupport@lethpolytech.ca
Security is on campus 24/7, offering services such as Safewalk, escorting you to another location on campus if you feel unsafe walking alone.
Phone: 403-320-3206 (or Ext. 3206 from a campus phone)
Office: CE1303
Counselling services are available free to students, including registered incoming students. Appointments can be virtual.
In person: CE 1380
Phone: 403-320-3289
Email: counselling@lethpolytech.ca
Not sure who to reach out to or feeling uncertain about your situation? The Care Team can help figure out the best person to support you and have them reach out.
Lethbridge Polytechnic has partnered with REES to provide secure, online reporting for gender-based and sexual violence on campus, including stalking. Anyone from the Lethbridge Polytechnic community can use REES to create a record of what you experienced. You can keep it to yourself, or you can choose to anonymously or formally report it to the polytechnic, connect to a professionally trained person on campus to help you deal with any concerns or potential trauma, or access information about resources on-campus and in the community. The system lets you create a name and password that’s completely separate from your polytechnic identification.
Off-Campus Supports
The only organization in Canada dedicated to addressing stalking. Done through education, advocacy and collaboration with other victim serving organizations across Canada.
An online resource for women and their children seeking safety from violence and abuse. Locate local women’s shelters and connect with their 24-hour emergency phone number.
sheltersafe.ca
Offer legal support, safety planning, and emotional support.
Free legal help for those facing threats, harassment, or protection order needs.
Available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada.
Phone: 1-855-242-3310
Live chat: hopeforwellness.ca
Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental service offering free, multilingual and confidential support to help all young people.
Call/text 1‑800‑668‑6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
211 is an essential service that helps Albertans find the right resource or service for whatever issue they need help with, at the right time. 211 is available 24/7 by phone, text and chat.
Phone: 2-1-1
Text: 2-1-1
Live chat: ab.211.ca
Stalking FAQs
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted behaviour targeting a specific person, which causes that person to fear for their safety or experience significant emotional distress.
Stalking can take many forms and are not always easy to spot. If someone is making you feel unsafe or constantly invading your space or privacy, it could be stalking. The below behaviours can be a form of stalking:
- unwanted contact online
- showing up uninvited or unexpectedly
- sending constant unwanted messages
- repeated unwanted gifts
- repeatedly asking someone to go on a date
- repeated, persistent and intrusive behaviours
- threats to hurt you, someone you care about or themself
Early intervention can help reduce harm, establish safety, and affirm your rights.
- Trust your instincts – if something feels invasive, it likely is.
- Document everything – keep a record of dates, times, locations, messages, screenshots, gifts and witnesses.
- Avoid direct contact with the person stalking you whenever possible.
- Strengthen digital safety – update passwords, check app permissions and consider turning off location sharing.
Criminal harassment is harassing behaviour that includes stalking. Criminal harassment is an offence in Canada’s Criminal Code.