In response to National Stalking Awareness Month, Marshall University’s Title IX Office hosted a presentation to raise awareness about stalking and provide students with resources to “know it, name it and stop it,” the slogan for the event. 

As of 2024, Jan. 18 is now known as the Day of Action for Stalking Awareness in remembrance of Peggy Klinke, who was brutally murdered by her stalker. 

Marshall’s Title IX case manager, Darian Marcum, hosted the event alongside advocates from the CONTACT Rape Crisis Center, a prosecutor from Cabell County and members of MUPD. 

The event focused on how to know and recognize stalking and provided resources on how to prevent and stop it. Those leading the event defined stalking as, “A pattern of behavior, consisting of two or more times happening that would cause reasonable fear for a person’s safety.”

Throughout the event, different representatives from organizations around the county provided information, tips and resources for students to address stalking and stop it. 

Samantha Kinnear, the campus advocate for CONTACT, talked about her job and the resources she can provide for students across the county. Kinnear said she assists students by referring them to therapy, legal aid and transportation. She also helps to find ways to help students stay away from their stalker and works closely with Marshall’s Wellness Center and Title IX Office. 

Marcum said she planned the event to raise awareness about stalking—specifically through the Title IX Office—as they hope to create a larger presence on campus. 

“Document everything, take pictures, keep stalking logs and get help,” Marcum said. “The Title IX Office offers stalking kits, and it is important to document everything even if legal action is not done, as it offers some legitimacy for yourself.”

The Title IX Office is available as a resource to students Monday through Friday and is located in Old Main Room 107.