January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affected 6.6 million victims in one year.
This year’s theme, “Stalking — Know It. Name It. Stop It.”, challenges the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning more about it.
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states, the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, yet many victims and criminal justice professionals underestimate its seriousness and impact. In one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims, and stalking is one of the significant risk factors for femicide (homicide of women) in abusive relationships.
Victims suffer anxiety, social dysfunction and severe depression at much higher rates that the general population, and many lose time from work or have to move as a result of their victimization.
Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate and prosecute. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime but a series of acts, a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause that person fear.
Stalking may take many forms, such as assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary or animal abuse, as well as unwanted cards, calls, gifts or visits. One in four victims reports that the stalker uses technology, such as computers, global positioning system devices or hidden cameras to track the victim’s daily activities.
Stalkers fit no standard psychological profile, and many stalkers follow their victims from one jurisdiction to another, making it difficult for authorities to investigate and prosecute their crimes.
Communities that understand stalking, however, can support victims and combat the crime.
“If more people learn to recognize stalking,” said Cathy Covington, crisis intervention specialist/court advocate, “we have a better chance to protect victims and prevent tragedies.”
ALIVE, a local nonprofit agency that helps victims of domestic violence, can provide posters and table tents for businesses, churches, and schools throughout Franklin County.
For further information, people can visit www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org or call ALIVE at 636-583-9863.
ALIVE’s mission is to provide counseling, emergency sanctuary and other services to people affected by domestic abuse, as well as to create a supportive community.
