January Is National Stalking Awareness Month

Pee Dee Region of SC: Pee Dee Coalition has announced January is National Stalking Awareness Month.

Stalking is to unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of harm through threatening words or other conduct without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to an actual physical attack.

According to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center,1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience stalking at some point in their lifetime with approximately 13.5 million U.S. citizens stalked in a single year. In South Carolina, there are 24.33 incidents of stalking per 10,000 residents. However, in the Pee Dee Counties, that number is much higher at an average of 53.49 incidents per 10,000 in population. Counties range from 23.62 incidents in Williamsburg County to 70.91 incidents per 10,000 in population in Florence County.
Stalking is linked to both domestic violence and sexual assault.
There is a real and frighteningly significant connection between stalking and domestic or intimate partner violence. Stalking often co-occurs with intimate partner violence and can be an indicator of other forms of violence. Stalking can be a way to exert power and control during and/or after an abusive relationship. 40% of stalking victims are stalked by a current or former intimate partner. Stalking increases the risk of intimate partner homicide by three times.

In the vast majority of both stalking and sexual violence cases, the victim and the perpetrator know each other. Stalking and sexual violence are prevalent, traumatic, misunderstood, and under-reported crimes covered by the Violence Against Women Act.

If you or someone you know is a victim of stalking, domestic violence or sexual assault, you can call the Pee Dee Coalition at 800-273-1820 or 843-669-4694 for free, confidential assistance.