The first National Stalking Awareness Month was implemented in January of 2004. Since then, every January, organizations have been raising awareness about the dangers of stalking. But still, many people are unclear about what stalking is, who it effects, and what to do if they are being stalked.
What is stalking?
Stalking is a crime. It is generally defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person fear. The specific laws are different for each state. Stalking is serious, often violent, and can escalate over time. For instance, 46% of stalking victims fear not knowing what will happen next.
Who is a stalker?
A stalker can be someone you know well or not at all, but most have dated or been otherwise involved with the people they stalk. Most stalking cases involve men stalking women, but men do stalk men, women do stalk women, and women do stalk men. Nearly 80% of stalkers use more than one means to frighten their victims. Some things stalkers do:
• Repeatedly call you, including hang-ups
• Follow you and show up where you are
• Send unwanted gifts, letters, texts, etc
• Damage your home or property
• Use technology, such as hidden cameras or GPS devices to track where you go
• Find out about you by using public records, online searches, hiring investigators, going through your garbage, or contacting friends, family, and coworkers
Who are the victims of stalking?
Overall, 3.4 million people are stalked each year in the United States. Anyone can be a victim of stalking. However, women are three times more likely to be stalked than men. Both men and women between the ages of 18-24 report the highest rates of stalking.
What to do if you are being stalked?
Stalking is unpredictable and dangerous. In one out of every five stalking cases, stalkers use weapons to physically harm or threaten the victims and 29% of stalking victims fear it will never stop. The following are steps you can take to protect yourself:
• If you are in immediate danger, call 911
• Trust your instincts. Do not downplay the danger. If you feel you are unsafe, you probably are
• Take threats seriously.
• Contact a crisis hotline or victim services agency such as RCC
• Develop a safety plan – decide what to do in advance if the stalker shows up at your home, work, or school.
• Do not communicate with the stalker or respond to communication attempts
• Keep evidence of stalking. Write down the time, date, and place every time the stalker follows or contacts you. Photograph anything you can and keep emails, voicemails, and texts.
• Contact the police
• Seek the support of family, friends, roommates, and co-workers
If you would like to learn more about stalking, click here. If you are believe you are being stalked or if you have any questions, please contact the Resource and Crisis Center.
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