Public Safety: January is National Stalking Awarness Month

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects

3.4 million victims a year. This year's theme, "Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.," calls our nation to stop this crime by learning more about it.

Stalking is a crime in Illinois, yet many victims underestimate its seriousness and impact. In one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims. Stalking is one of the significant risk factors for homicide of women in abusive relationships. Victims suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression at much higher rates than the general population. Many lose time from work or have to move as a result of their victimization.

Stalking may 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.

For more information visit www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org.