Study: 1 In 12 Women, 1 In 45 Men Stalked

from TheIndyChannel.com

Thousands of central Indiana victims are among the 3.4 million people in the U.S. affected by stalking each year.

Stalking can take many forms, from unwanted gifts, visits, text messages, and e-mails to assault — actions that can happen anywhere.

As part of National Stalking Awareness Month, victims’ advocates in Indianapolis hope to spread their message so victims will take action, 6News’ Julie Pursley reported.

“Stalking behavior that can escalate into such a high level of danger is extremely prevalent, particularly in situations of domestic violence,” said Caryn Burton, of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The ICADV office helped about 2,800 people in central Indiana last year. Of those, about 80 percent had been stalked.

A recent federal study found that 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime. The report also found that 80 percent of victims stalked by an intimate partner were also physically assaulted.

About 76 percent of female homicide victims were stalked before their death.

“It’s really a matter of just being aware of the fact that if it makes you uncomfortable, there’s a reason,” Burton said.

Stranger stalkers are rare, officials said. Most victims know who their stalker is and can track their activity.

Police urge victims to gather and share any information about someone stalking them to police and the prosecutor’s office.

Victims can also alter their routine to make it more difficult for a stalker to keep up with them.