January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

Stalking is a prevalent victimization across the United States with growing numbers rivaling those of intimate partner and sexual violence. It is its own form of violence, with its own risks, support and safety planning needs, and legal responses.

All too often stalking is a precursor to unwanted physical contact. Many stalkers are persistent offenders who utilize a wide range of tactics to contact, surveil, control, isolate, sabotage, and otherwise scare their victims.

In movies or on tv, stalkers are often portrayed as shadowy strangers or mysterious secret admirers, when in reality the vast majority of offenders know their victims, and are primarily intimate partners or acquaintances.

If you believe that you are a victim of stalking, it is most likely best to preserve all communications / evidence of the stalking and contact your local police directly as it is possible for a knowledgeable stalker to intercept or remotely monitor some electronic communications.

More information and resources can be found at: https://www.stalkingawareness.org/