Stalking Awareness: Staying A Step Ahead
January is Stalking Awareness Month, a time to be aware of a crime that is often minimized and overlooked. Stalking affects approximately 1 in 6 women in the United States during their lifetimes and can escalate to violence, making it critical for you to understand how to recognize and respond to it. The dangers of stalking are real and immediate, but with the right tools and strategies, you can protect yourself.
What is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that can terrify the victim. Often brushed off by people who haven’t been affected or don’t understand, it not trivial. It can take many forms, including:
Repeatedly following or monitoring someone in person or online.
Unwanted communication, such as excessive texting, emailing, or messaging.
Using technology to track someone's location, like GPS devices or apps.
Showing up uninvited at work, home, or other frequented places.
While the media often depicts stalking as an overblown romantic gesture, the reality is far more dangerous. Because stalking can escalate to violence, with 76% of women murdered by an intimate partner having been stalked beforehand.
What Are Warning Signs of Stalking?
Key warning signs of stalking include:
Frequent, unwanted contact that continues even after being asked to stop.
Unexplained appearances in places where the victim is known to be.
Gifts or notes left to intimidate or manipulate.
Knowledge of personal details, such as schedules, addresses, or passwords.
If something feels "off," trust your instincts. Stalkers often minimize their behavior, causing victims to second-guess themselves. Don’t fall for it. Trust YOURSELF.
What You Can Do if You’re Being Stalked
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of stalking incidents, including dates, times, locations, and what occurred. Screenshots of texts or emails can also be invaluable evidence.
Enhance Your Digital Safety:
Regularly update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Review privacy settings on social media and avoid sharing your location.
Check for spyware on your devices.
Build a Safety Plan:
Identify safe places to go if you feel threatened.
Inform trusted friends, family, or colleagues about the situation.
Use a personal safety app like bSafe or Noonlight for additional security.
Seek Help: Reach out to local law enforcement, campus safety offices, or organizations like the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC). A restraining order may also be an option, depending on your situation.
Having the Right Defensive Tools
In addition to being vigilant, having the right tools to defend yourself can make all the difference. Our partner, Hero Defense Systems, offers innovative, non-lethal self-defense weapons that provide peace of mind and a practical way to protect yourself in threatening situations. Their products are designed to empower women to take control of their personal safety without the risks associated with traditional firearms.
You can check out our joint video on stalking here.
The Power of Awareness
Stalking is about power and control, but you can reclaim your agency by staying vigilant and proactive. As emphasized in our book, Street Smart Safety for Women: Your Guide to Defensive Living, being aware and having a plan that includes defensive tools is the first step toward safety.
