For many people “stalking” is a word that is heard on television, movies, in popular song and in casual conversation. Although it may seem like a joke or a harmless show of devotion, it is not. Stalking is a crime in all 50 states. The National Center for Victims of Crime defines stalking as “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.” and estimates 3.4 million American stalking victims every year!

Here are five things you probably don’t know, but should know about stalking:

1. You don’t have to be famous. Stalking is not primarily about a rabid fan following a celebrity as it is often portrayed in the media. Only 10% of stalkers are strangers to their victims. The other 90% are people the victim knows, with 30% being a former intimate partner.

2. It’s not a “one-time thing”. Many people who use stalking to scare and control someone have done this before. Between 10-15% of victims are stalked for 5 years or more. Most reported stalking occurs several times a day and typical stalker uses a variety of methods to contact their victim.

3. It’s really dangerous! 89% of female murder victims that were physically abused by their killer were also stalked by that killer. 54% of those victims reported the stalking to the police before their death.

4. Being stalked can cause long-term problems. The stress and anxiety of being a victim of this type of crime can affect a person’s lifestyle, self-esteem, ability to be employed. Many victims have to move, quit their jobs and seek counseling on a continuing basis.

5. It’s not your fault. If you or someone you know is being stalked, the person committing the crime is the stalker, not the victim. If you need more information on stalking you can visit www.stalkingawarenssmonth.com and download their stalking fact sheet. If you need help obtaining a domestic abuse protective order or just need someone to talk with you about your options call the S.A.F.E., Inc. 24 Hour Crisis Line 1-800-527-7233.

Silence Hides Violence. 

Between 50% to 60% of domestic violence victims are women.

Every 15 seconds, a woman is beaten in this country.

For approximately 4 million women, the battering requires medical or police attention.

Annually 4,000 women’s abuse ends- they die.

Abuse against men is often times underestimated, overlooked, and hidden.

 In 100 domestic violence situations approximately 40 cases involve violence by women against men. An estimated 400,000 women per year are abused or treated violently in the United States by their spouse or intimate partner.  This means that roughly 300,000 to 400,000 men are treated violently by their wife or girl friend. 

 Want to support domestic violence awareness?

YOU CAN!

BALLARD PARK IN TUPELO, MS

February 18, 2012 at 9 a.m.

Silence Hides Violence 5K walk

$20 early registration fee until January 15th

$25 registration from January 16th-February 18th

Refreshments and t-shirts provided for participants

Trophies for winners provided also

This race is organized by Kaitlyn Kincade, a THS student and domestic violence victim, in order to raise awareness and honor the victims and survivors of this crime.

To register online for this race, go to www.racesonline.com

Thank You for Your Support

http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org/quiz

FIND OUT MORE HERE
http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/sections/victims/domestic_violence

Washington, D.C., November 11th — What started with a small group of passionate alumni has exploded into a national display of Penn State pride, as thousands of Penn Staters have joined together to help victims of sexual assault. Using social media, these supporters have raised over $250,000 in 2 ½ days for RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Minutes before today’s Nittany Lions kickoff, #ProudPSUforRAINN made it halfway to its goal of raising one dollar for every one of Penn State’s 557,000 alumni.

The FACT Conference is coming up on October 11th!

Find out more about it this Saturday, October 1st at 5PM when FACT Committee Members Carole Ann Sewell and Mary Katherine Spencer join Terry Smith on WTVA’s FOCUS.

“For nearly 30 years, WTVA’s weekly Focus program has spanned a vast array of issues and events key to our communities. From medical to musical, political to financial, economic development to our military, host Terry Smith strives to learn about all aspects of what makes this area so unique. And, he asks the questions of newsmakers to get the answers you want to know about.”