LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) – Liberty University Security & Public Safety is alerting the public to several recent stalking incidents that have occurred on campus.
“This alert is being sent in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, as this incident represents a Clery Act crime that occurred on Clery Act geography and poses a serious or continuing threat to the campus community.” – Liberty University Security & Public Safety
In a release, Liberty University Security & Public Safety said starting the week of January 12, three separate reports of stalking were received involving the same person. The person allegedly followed the victims on campus after being asked to respect their personal boundaries. University Security said that victims have been caused “substantial emotional distress” because of the continued unwanted behavior.
Law enforcement said they have identified a person of interest in the investigation. If you have experienced similar behavior, please reach out to the Office of Equity and Compliance or the Liberty University Police Department (LUPD).
According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, nearly 1 in 6 women (16%, or 19.1 million) and about 1 in 17 (5.8% or 6.4 million) men in the U.S. were victims of stalking at some point in their lifetime, during which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.
“To prevent stalking, we must cultivate healthy relationship behaviors including trust, respect, communication, and consent. This means respecting each other’s boundaries and changing our behavior where they indicate that contact or communication is unwelcome or uncomfortable.”
If you are in immediate danger, call Liberty University Police Department at 434-592-3911 or call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, there are confidential and non-confidential resources available to you both on and off campus. Criminal incidents can be reported to Liberty University Campus Security Authorities (CSA) who are designated, trained, and mandatory reporters under the Clery Act when victims choose not to report to law enforcement.
For information on support resources, services, and programs at Liberty University, please see the Office of Equity and Compliance’s website found here or the Liberty University’s Office of Security & Public Safety found here.
For more information about stalking please see Liberty University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy at: Liberty University Sexual Misconduct Policy.
WFXR News will update you with more information if it becomes available.