National Stalking Awareness Month

January 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the first National Stalking Awareness Month. In the past ten years, stalking awareness across the United States has steadily increased and enhanced responses have been developed. Laws have been strengthened, tens of thousands of professionals have been trained on responding to stalking, and services for victims of stalking have been expanded.

Stalking is serious, often violent, and can escalate over time.

Stalking Victimization:

• 3.4 million people over the age of 18 are stalked each year in the United States.

• 3 in 4 stalking victims are stalked by someone they know.

• 30% of stalking victims are stalked by a current or former intimate partner.

• 10% of stalking victims are stalked by a stranger.

• Persons aged 18-24 years experience the highest rate of stalking.

• 11% of stalking victims have been stalked for 5 years or more.

• 46% of stalking victims experience at least one unwanted contact per week.

• 1 in 4 victims report being stalked through the use of some form of technology (such as e-mail or instant messaging).

• 10% of victims report being monitored with global positioning systems (GPS), and 8% report being monitored through video or digital cameras, or listening devices.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) 24/7
To be connected to the rape crisis center nearest to you, dial
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 24/7
1-866-331-9474
1-866-331-8453 (TTY)
You can also chat live on-line with a trained Peer Advocate from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. (CST) daily.

Information courtesy of stalkingawarenessmonth.org.