January is National Stalking Awareness Month

Next month ushers in more than just the start of the 2009 New Year. January is National Stalking Awareness Month. Started in 2004 by The National Center for Victims of Crime, it is a time to bring about awareness of the dangers of stalking.

Did you know that stalking is a crime in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia? One in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime. Stalking ranges from repeated phone calls and unwanted gifts to threats and controlling actions that create fear.

The theme for 2009 is "Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It." Share with others that 1.4 million people in the United States are stalked every year. Tell your friends that 77% of female victims and 64% of male victims know their stalker.

You can help promote National Stalking Awareness Month. Get the facts by scrolling down to the "More Information" box at the bottom of the page and open the "January: National Stalking Awareness Month" folder. Or learn more by visiting http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org/.