Stalking and Dating Violence


Geneseo Resources
Deputy Title IX Coordinator(585) 245-5716
University Police(585) 245-5222
Dean of Students(585) 245-5706
Student Health and Counseling(585) 245-5736
Pathways(585) 237-8860

What is Dating Violence?

Dating violence is defined as an assaultive behavior between individuals in an intimate relationship. The assaultive behavior can be inflicted by a current or former partner and be verbal/psychological, physical, or sexual in nature and intended to harm the physical or mental well-being of the victim. Rarely is dating violence an isolated incident; it is a pattern of coercive behavior intended to exert control and domination by the offender toward the victim. The recurring abusive incidents usually escalate in frequency and severity and can result in serious physical injury, disablement, or death, without outside intervention to protect the victim, stop the violence, and hold the perpetrator accountable.

Warning Signs

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship. While there are many warning signs of abuse, here are ten of the most common to look for:

  1. Checking your cell phone or email without permission.
  2. Constant put-downs.
  3. Extreme jealousy or insecurity.
  4. Explosive temper.
  5. Isolating you from family or friends.
  6. Making false accusations.
  7. Mood swings.
  8. Physically hurting you in any way.
  9. Possessiveness.
  10. Telling you what to do.

What is stalking?

Stalking is defined as the willful and repeated following, watching, and/or harassing of another person. This may include either physical stalking or cyberstalking.  Physical stalking may consist of following someone, appearing at a person's home or work, making harassing phone calls, leaving written messages, or vandalizing one's property.  Cyberstalking involves using the Internet or other electronic means as a way to harass someone.  

Stalking behaviors include:

  • Constantly following or watching you either in person or via surveillance or other types of observation
  • Damaging your property
  • Repeatedly appearing at places where you are for no justifiable reason
  • Threatening or obscene gestures
  • Trespassing
  • Non-consensual touching

What Happens at Geneseo?

In the Spring of 2012, with the support of the Advisory Committee on Campus Security, an anonymous campus-wide survey was conducted to explore the rates of stalking and dating violence on our campus.

Partner Physical Assault and Stalking at Geneseo



Symptoms of Emotional Abuse

23 Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Stalking Victims Sanctuary

Alternatives for Battered Women

Important Hotlines
Alternatives for Battered Women(585) 232-7353
RESTORE Sexual Assault Services(585) 546-2777
Chances and Changes1-888-252-9360
National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-SAFE
GLBT National Help Center1-888-843-4564