by Megan Clark
Did you know stalking is a crime? Did you know that 3.4 million adults in the world are victims of stalking? And while it might seem like victims of stalking are stalked by people they don’t know, that is not the case. According to the Stalking Resource Center three out of four people stalked are stalked by someone they know. It is estimated that 30% of stalking victims are stalked by a current or former intimate partner and only 10% of victims are stalked by a stranger. It may be surprising to also know that 1/3 of stalkers have stalked before.
January is National Stalking Awareness Month. It was launched in 2004 to bring awareness to the seriousness of the issue and provide resources for stalking victims. You can learn more about stalking awareness at the Stalking Resource Center of the National Center for Victims of Crime. This website provides facts about stalking, resources for victims, and also information on how individuals and organizations can help promote Stalking Awareness Month.
The UMKC Women’s Center is participating in Stalking Awareness Month by hosting information tables across campus during the month of January. Staff from the Violence Prevention and Response Project will be available to give out information and answer questions about the dangers of stalking. You can also take the stalking awareness quiz to test your knowledge about the issue. Prizes will be given for your participation.
Please stop by our tables on the following dates to do your part to help raise awareness that stalking is a crime:
- Thursday, January 12; 11am-1pm; Hospital Hill Health Sciences Building, 2464 Charlotte St.
- Tuesday, January 17; 11am-1pm; Johnson Residence Hall Lobby, 5000 Oak St.
- Monday, January 23; 11am-1pm; Royal Hall; 800 E. 52nd St.
You can also “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get updates about Stalking Awareness Month. And if you are on campus, check out the display board on the first floor of Haag Hall or stop by the Women’s Center in 105 Haag Hall for more information.