January is National Stalking Awareness Month. While it may seem harmless at first, stalking can be precursor to physical or sexual violence. Stalking can take many forms, all of which can put a victim of stalking in harm’s way. Whether it takes the form of unsolicited calls, hacking and doxxing, or unexpected visits, the impacts of stalking can leave victims with physical and mental trauma. Stalking is a crime, but how does it affect people?
1. Women are stalked at a rate two times higher than men. 2.
2. 7.5 million people are affected by stalking each year.
3. More than 85% of victims know their stalker.
4. Both men and women are often stalked by former romantic partners.
5. The 18-24 age group experiences the highest rate of stalking.
6. 46% of stalking victims have one unwanted contact a week.
7. 1 in 5 stalking victims are stalked by a stranger.
8. 1 in 8 employed stalking victims lose time from work as a result of being stalked.
9. 1 in 7 stalking victims move as a result of being stalked.
10. Those affected by stalking experience higher rates of anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression.
If you think you are being stalked or that your life may be endangered, contact authorities and inform trusted resources like friends, family, and co-workers.
Resources: The National Center for Victims of Crime and the Stalking Resource Center