January is National Stalking Awareness Month, & victim advocates across the country are using this month as an opportunity to educate the public about the pervasive crime that affects nearly 1.4 million Americans per year. Governor Napolitano encourages both victims & communities to take stalking seriously & learn about the dangers of stalking.
Stalking - typically defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear - is a criminal offense under the laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, & the federal government. Although its prevalence is high, public awareness that stalking is a crime remains dangerously low. Statistics indicate that 1-in-12 women & 1-in-45 men will be stalked in their lifetime, for an average duration of almost 2 years.
Victims are encouraged to trust their instincts & understand that stalkers are unpredictable & dangerous. Anyone in imminent danger should call 911. Victims can also receive support from a crisis hotline, victim services agency, or a domestic violence or rape crisis program. These agencies can help victims devise a safety plan, learn about local laws, find services, & take additional steps, such as seeking a protective order.
To assist law enforcement efforts, victims should carefully document evidence by writing down the times, dates & places they are stalked. Victims should also keep e-mails, phone messages, letters or anything else sent to them by the stalker. It is also important to alert friends, family members, roommates and co-workers about the stalking and enlist their help and support.
Governor Napolitano also encourages citizens to educate themselves on the dangers of stalking & support stalking victims by listening, showing support & never blaming the victim for the crime. For more information, visit the National Center for Victims of Crime, Stalking Resource Center at ncvc.org/src.