National Stalking Awareness Month is observed on Tuesday, January 1st, 2019. It has been observed the month of January since 2004.
Did You Know
7.5 million people are stalked in one year in the United States.
15% of women and 6% of men have experienced stalking victimization at some point during their lifetime in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed.
The average length of partner stalking is approximately 2.2 years (which is longer than the average of just over one year for non-intimate partner cases)
81% of women who were stalked by a current or former husband or cohabitating partner were also physically assaulted by that partner.
57% of stalking victims were stalked during the relationship.
Most Commonly Reported Stalker Tactics by Both Female and Male Victims of Stalking
Approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim didn’t want them to be there
Making unwanted telephone calls
Leaving the victim unwanted messages (text or voice)
Watching or following the victim from a distance
Spying on the victim with a listening device, camera, or global positioning system
Time of Greatest Risk for Violence
Any stalking case can escalate into violence. The risk of violence is heightened when the stalker
Issues direct threats of violence
Expresses jealousy of the victim’s relationships with others during the relationship
Uses illegal drugs
Impact of Stalking on Victims
46% of stalking victims fear not knowing what will happen next.
29% of stalking victims fear the stalking will never stop.
1 in 8 employed stalking victims lose time from work as a result of their victimization and more than half lose 5 days of work or more.
1 in 7 stalking victims move as a result of their victimization.
The prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression is much higher among stalking victims than the general population, especially if the stalking involves being followed or having one’s property destroyed.
Things You Can Do
If you are in immediate danger, call 911
Develop a safety plan, including things like changing your routine, arranging a place to stay, and having a friend or relative go places with you. Also, decide in advance what to do if the stalker shows up at your home, work, school, or somewhere else. Tell people how they can help you.
Contact a crisis hotline, victim services agency, or a domestic violence or rape crisis program
Keep evidence of the stalking
Contact the police. Every state has stalking laws. The stalker may also have broken other laws by doing things like assaulting you or stealing or destroying your property.
Consider getting a court order that tells the stalker to stay away from you.
Tell family, friends, roommates, and co-workers about the stalking and seek their support. Tell security staff at your job or school. Ask them to help watch out for your safety.
Resources
Call Rape/Tulsa Rape Crisis Call Rape is a 24hr information and crisis line that can assist with Stalking, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Teen Dating Violence. They offer services 24-hours a day by calling their hotline at (918) 743-5763
The Family Safety Center
600 Civic Center, Main Floor Police Courts Building Tulsa, OK 74103 Phone: 918-742-7480
Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc.
Phone: (918) 743-5763
Tulsa Police Department The Tulsa Police Department investigates reports of crimes that were committed off-campus in Tulsa. Their non-emergency number is 918-596-9222.
Heartline Crisis Line Dial 2-1-1 – or text your ZIP code to 898-211– for a free and confidential helpline that can connect you with resources in your area. If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide and would like to speak with someone call (800) 273-8255
Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
OCADVSA provides advocacy and support related to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Stalking. For information and services across the state, call (405) 524-0700
Domestic Violence Hotline The National Domestic Violence Hotline has been the vital link to safety for women, men, children, and families affected by domestic violence. With the help of dedicated advocates and staff, they respond to calls 24/7, 365 days a year