OZARKA COLLEGE

The below information was taken from the Stalking Resource Center at http://www.ncvc.org/src/AGP.Net/Components/DocumentViewer/Download.aspxnz?DocumentID=37605.  For additional information or assistance for Ozarka students and employees, contact Joan Stirling (368-2007, jstirling@ozarka.edu) in the Administration Building in the office suite behind the Finance Office.

1. Stalking is a crime.

Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that places a reasonable

person in fear for her or his safety. It is against the law in every state. Stalking across

state lines or in federal territories is illegal under federal law.

2. Many people are stalked.

1 in 12 twelve women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetimes.

1.4 million people are stalked every year in the United States.

3. Stalking can be very dangerous.

76 percent of women killed by their intimate partners were stalked by these partners

before they were killed. All stalkers should be considered unpredictable and very

dangerous.

4. Stalking is harmful and intrusive.

Stalking victims often lose time from work or never return to work, and some even

relocate to regain a sense of safety. Many suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and severe

depression as a result of being stalked.

5. Anyone can be stalked— not just celebrities.

The vast majority of stalking victims are ordinary people. Furthermore, most stalkers

are not strangers, but are known by their victim.

6. Stalking can occur during a relationship, after a relationship, or in the

Stalking often begins during a relationship. Stalkers may keep the victim under

surveillance or threaten her or him. Others begin stalking after the victim has ended

the relationship, and the stalker feels desperate to maintain or regain control. Still

others become fixated on a victim without ever having had any relationship with the

person. All forms of stalking are unpredictable, and all should be considered

dangerous.

7. Technology can be used to stalk.

Although newly-developed technology enhances our lives, it can also empower

criminals. Cell phones, computers, and surveillance equipment are just some of the

technologies stalkers now use.

8. An effective response to stalking includes the entire community.

Police, prosecutors, advocates, educators, reporters, neighbors … everyone can and

should play a part in stopping stalking. Working together, we can make victims safer.

9. You can make a difference.

Visit

10. Help is available.

If you or someone you know is being stalked, call 1-800-FYI-CALL for assistance.