January is not just the month for fresh starts and New Year resolutions; it’s also Stalking Awareness Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about a serious and often overlooked issue that affects countless individuals globally.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
- According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 3.4 million people are stalked every year in the United States.
- The majority of victims are stalked by someone they know.
- More than half of female victims and more than one-third of male victims had been stalked before the age of 25.
These statistics underscore the importance of awareness and education about stalking.
What Exactly Is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of behavior that makes someone feel afraid, nervous, harassed, or in danger. It’s when someone repeatedly contacts you, follows you, sends you things, talks to you when you don’t want them to, or threatens you.
Breaking Down Misconceptions
Stalking isn’t just an overzealous admirer or a Hollywood movie plot. It’s a crime that can affect anyone, regardless of age, occupation, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. And while it’s true that we can all appreciate a good ‘cat and mouse’ chase in our favorite action film, real-life stalking is far from entertaining.
Identifying Signs of Stalking
Some signs of stalking may include:
- Unwanted phone calls
- Unwanted emails, instant messages, text messages, voice messages
- Approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim didn’t want them to be there
- Leaving unwanted items, presents, or flowers
- Posting information or spreading rumors about the victim on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth
Taking Action
If you believe you’re a victim of stalking, it’s crucial to:
- Trust your instincts
- Take threats seriously
- Contact the police
- Keep evidence of the stalking
A Call for Awareness
Stalking Awareness Month is a rallying call to recognize and respond to this serious crime. It’s about educating ourselves and others, supporting victims, and doing our part to bring an end to stalking.
So, as we welcome January with open arms and perhaps a few too many gym memberships, let’s also pay heed to Stalking Awareness Month. Turning a blind eye should never be an option. Let’s stand together against stalking and make the New Year safer for everyone.
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