January is National Stalking Awareness month

from the Family Support Council of Douglas County

Special to The R-C

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. Stalking is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. One in 12 women and one in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime, for an average duration of almost two years, and most victims are ordinary Americans.

Even when victims see the danger and report the crime, stalking may be hard for authorities to recognize, investigate, and prosecute. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime but a series of acts, a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause that person fear. Stalking may take many forms " assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, or animal abuse, unwanted cards, calls, gifts or visits.

Stalkers may use computers, Global Positioning System devices or hidden cameras to track their victims' daily activities. Stalkers fit no standard psychological profile and some are known to follow their victims from one jurisdiction to another, making apprehension by the authorities more difficult. By learning about stalking, communities can support victims and combat the crime.

"If more people can recognize stalking, we have a better chance to hold offenders accountable," said Cindy Fanning, coordinator of the Family Support Council's Domestic Violence Department. "Knowledge can help communities support victims and prevent tragedies."

Family Support Council will offer one-on-one advocacy to promote awareness and public education about stalking during the annual observance. Contact an advocate in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault department at the Family Support Council, 782-8692.

The mission of the Family Support Council is to promote dignity and respect by means of education, prevention and intervention, ensuring that members of the community are able to live their lives free of abuse and violence.

More information at stalkingawarenessmonth.org and www.ovw.usdoj.gov