Stalking

How many people are stalked each year?

An estimated 6-7.5 million people are stalked in a one year period in the United States.

How many states have laws against stalking?

Although stalking is a crime in all 50 states, less than one-third of states classify stalking as a felony if it’s a first offense. This leaves stalking victims without protections afforded to victims of other violent crimes.

How many victims know their stalkers?

Almost 3 out of 4 stalking victims know their stalkers in some capacity. The most common relationship between the victim and perpetrator is a current or former intimate partner.

Does stalking really affect the victim?

Yes! Stalking takes its toll emotionally, psychologically and even financially. Stalking victims suffer much higher rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and social dysfunction than the general population. 1 in 7 stalking victims have been forced to move because of their victimization.

Isn’t stalking when someone follows you?

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 may take many forms, such as assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, or animal abuse, as well as unwanted cards, calls, gifts or visits.

Only really savvy stalkers use technology, right?

1 in 4 victims report that the stalker uses technology, such as computers, global positioning system devices, or hidden cameras, to track the victim’s daily activities.

If you ignore a stalker, will they go away?

In studies, ignoring a stalker is not highly associated with stopping the stalking.