National Stalking Awareness Month

One in 12 women and one in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime, for an average duration of almost two years.
Stalking is a crime.
BARCC’s Legal Advocacy services can help you if you think you, or someone you care about, is being victimized. All of our services are free and confidential.

How much do you know about stalking?

Take this quiz to see how much you know.

Are you being stalked?

Read this brochure to learn more.

10 Things You Need to Know About Stalking

Stalking is a crime.
Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that places a reasonable person in fear for her or his safety. It is against the law in every state. Stalking across state lines or in federal territories is illegal under federal law.
Many people are stalked.
1 in 12 twelve women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetimes. 1.4 million people are stalked every year in the United States.
Stalking can be very dangerous.
76 percent of women killed by their intimate partners were stalked by these partners before they were killed. All stalkers should be considered unpredictable and very dangerous.
Stalking is harmful and intrusive.
Stalking victims often lose time from work or never return to work, and some even relocate to regain a sense of safety. Many suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and severe depression as a result of being stalked.
Anyone can be stalked- not just celebrities.
The vast majority of stalking victims are ordinary people. Furthermore, most stalkers are not strangers, but are known by their victim.
Stalking can occur during a relationship, after a relationship, or in the absense of a relationship
Stalking often begins during a relationship. Stalkers may keep the victim under surveillance or threaten her or him. Others begin stalking after the victim has ended the relationship, and the stalker feels desperate to maintain or regain control. Still others become fixated on a victim without ever having had any relationship with the person. All forms of stalking are unpredictable, and all should be considered dangerous.
Technology can be used to stalk.
Although newly-developed technology enhances our lives, it can also empower criminals. Cell phones, computers, and surveillance equipment are just some of the technologies stalkers now use.
An effective response to stalking includes the entire community.
Police, prosecutors, advocates, educators, reporters, neighbors ... everyone can and should play a part in stopping stalking. Working together, we can make victims safer.
You can make a difference.
Visit http://www.ncvc.org/src to learn more about stalking and how to fight it.
Help is available.
If you or someone you know is being stalked, call 1-800-FYI-CALL for assistance.

During January 2009, communities across the country will observe National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects 1.4 million victims a year. This year’s theme, “Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.” challenges the nation to combat this dangerous crime by learning more about it.

For more information, please visit the National Center for Victim’s of Crime Stalking Resource Center.