Building awareness, support and safety: UKPD SVU and VIP Center host stalking prevention programming

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2026) — Through educational programming, interactive events and wellness-focused offerings, the University of Kentucky is engaging the campus community in meaningful conversations about stalking prevention and survivor support — and ensuring those impacted know where to turn for help. 

This year’s national Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center campaign, “Know It, Name It, Stop It,”encourages the campus community to recognize the signs of stalking and learn how to safely intervene and support survivors.

Nationally, approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced stalking, with young adults ages 18-24 at the highest risk. Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior that causes fear or emotional distress and can include unwanted messages or gifts, surveillance, spreading rumors, hacking accounts, property damage and harassment of friends or family.

Survivors often confide in friends, family or trusted individuals before law enforcement. Recognizing concerning behaviors, responding with empathy and connecting survivors to appropriate resources are critical steps in supporting those affected.

On campus, survivors can access free and confidential advocacy and crisis counseling through the VIP Center, which serves UK students, faculty and staff. Community members not affiliated with UK can contact the Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass for 24/7 support at 859-253-2511. To report a stalking incident on campus, individuals can contact UKPD at 859-257-8573. the University of Kentucky Police Department’s (UKPD) Special Victims Unit (SVU) is trained to provide trauma-informed, compassionate support.

Additional resources include the Stalking and Harassment Assessment and Risk Profile (SPARC), developed by UK’s TK Logan, Ph.D., and resources from the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center to help survivors assess risk, document behaviors and find support.

Learn more and get involved at these upcoming events on campus this month: 

• Tuesday, Jan. 13, Gatton Student Center Ballroom, Stalking Awareness Table 5-8 p.m. 
  • Stop by UKPD SVU and the VIP Center’s table at Residence Life’s Winter Wonderland. Learn about on-campus survivor resources, reporting options, safety planning tools and stalking awareness information. Snap a picture at the photobooth with a sparkly backdrop to post on Sunday, Jan. 18, the annual “Sparkle Against Stalking” day of action.
• Sunday, Jan. 18, National Day of Action for Stalking Awareness
  • On Jan. 18, 2003, Peggy Klinke was murdered by her stalker. Her sister Debbie Riddle began National Stalking Awareness Month in Peggy’s honor. Riddle always shared that her sister Klinke had a sparkling personality. SPARC urges everyone to raise awareness by posting to social media on Jan. 18, the anniversary of Klinke’s murder. For more information, visit Day of Action | Stalking Awareness & Prevention | SPARC.
• Wednesday, Jan. 21, Pigman Hall Classroom, Stalking Awareness SINGO 6-8 p.m.
  • Join UK’s Residence Life, the VIP Center and UKPD SVU for a stalking awareness-themed SINGO. Haven’t heard of SINGO? It is an exciting game that takes a musical spin on BINGO. The hosts will also have information on resources for stalking survivors. Attendees can enjoy free food and drinks. This event is open to anyone in the UK community.
• Wednesday, Jan. 28, MLK Center, Self Care Yoga and Intention Setting 6-7:30 p.m.
  • Whether you are a survivor, a support person to a survivor or even just a community member who wants to get involved in violence prevention, self-care is key to our well-being. Join the MLK Center, LGBTQ* Resources, VIP Center and UKPD SVU for an evening of trauma-informed yoga and intention setting. Mats, blocks, journals, snacks and water will all be available for attendees.