The Hailey-based Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence announced this week that it will offer free "stalking kits" for people who feel they are being stalked, as well as free "Are You Being Stalked?" pamphlets. The initiative comes during the annual January observance of National Stalking Awareness Month.
This year's theme—"Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It."—challenges the nation to fight stalking by learning more about it. Stalking affects some 3.4 million victims a year, the organization said.
"The Advocates estimates that a significant percentage of our domestic violence cases involve at least one element of stalking," said The Advocates' community education coordinator, Trish Tobias. "If more people learn to recognize stalking, we have a better chance to protect victims and prevent tragedies."
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, yet many victims underestimate its seriousness and impact, the organization said.
According to The Advocates:
· In one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims.
· Victims suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression at much higher rates than the general population, and many lose time from work or have to move as a result of their victimization.
· Stalking is difficult 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 can take many forms, such as assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, or animal abuse, as well as unwanted cards, calls, gifts, or visits.
· One in four victims reports that the stalker uses technology, such as computers, global positioning system devices, or hidden cameras, to track the victim's daily activities.
· Stalkers fit no standard psychological profile, and many stalkers follow their victims from one jurisdiction to another, making it difficult for authorities to investigate and prosecute their crimes.
While supplies last, individuals can order a free "stalking kit" from The Advocates by contacting Tobias at 788-4191. People can pick up a free "Are You Being Stalked?" pamphlet at The Advocates Attic store, 12 Carbonate St., in Hailey.
The mission of The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault through education, shelter and services.
