|
Governor Jennifer Granholm has proclaimed
January, 2005 Stalking Awareness Month. Michigan is one of the first states
in the country to declare a statewide Stalking Awareness Month. Domestic
and sexual violence service providers throughout the state will be acknowledging
this important month by recognizing stalking victims and survivors and
raising awareness in their local communities.
"Stalking Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity
for our citizens to learn more about stalking," said Granholm. "It
also provides a chance to show support for the numerous organizations
and individuals who are providing advocacy efforts, services and assistance
to stalking victims."
Michigan law defines stalking
as, "…a 'willful course of conduct' involving repeated or continuing
harassment of another individual that would cause a reasonable person
to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or
molested, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened,
intimidated, threatened, harassed or molested."
MDVPTB
funds 45 domestic violence and 29 sexual assault agencies, all of which
provide services for stalking victims. Services can include advocacy within
the justice system, counseling and support groups. To locate a program
in your area, click
here.
"Stalking is a little understood, but potentially
lethal crime that impacts nearly one and a half million people in the
United States each year," said the Honorable Amy Krause, Michigan
Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board Chair. "A statewide
proclamation of Stalking Awareness Month gives us another important opportunity
to actively work to increase the awareness of Michigan citizens about
this troubling crime."
In fact, the National Institute of Justice indicates
that one in 12 women and one in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime
and that 77% of women and 64% of men know their stalker.
Stalking includes many behaviors, such as:
- Following or appearing within the sight of the targeted
victim.
- Approaching or confronting the targeted victim in a
public or private place.
- Appearing at the workplace or residence of the targeted
victim.
- Entering or remaining on the targeted victim's property.
- Contacting the targeted victim by telephone.
- Sending mail or electronic mail to the targeted victim.
- Using recently developed technology such as cell phones,
computers and surveillance equipment to keep tabs on the targeted victim.
"Many people don't recognize the terror that often
accompanies stalking," said Debra Cain, MDVPTB's executive director.
"We are so proud that Governor Granholm has become one of the first
Governors in the country to direct statewide attention to this issue.
It is critical to get the word out to stalking survivors that they are
not alone. Stalking is a crime and there is help."
Resources are available
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Center
for Victims of Crime is the nation's leading resource and advocacy organization
dedicated to helping crime victims rebuild their lives. The National Center's
Stalking Resource Center works to raise national awareness of stalking
and to encourage the development and implementation of multidisciplinary
responses to stalking in local communities across the country. For fact
sheets, helpful information for victims and other resources, visit www.ncvc.org/src.
"We applaud Michigan for taking this important step
to help stalking victims," said Mary Lou Leary, executive director
of the National Center for Victims of Crime. "Stalking is often invisible
to everyone except the intended victim. Governor Granholm's action declaring
January 'Stalking Awareness Month' will bring public attention to this
pervasive and often deadly crime."
The MDVPTB, in collaboration with the Michigan
Department of Community Health and the Michigan
Women's Commission developed a brochure for stalking victims, "Understand
Your Rights." Click
here to view the brochure.
Michigan domestic violence programs also have information
about stalking. You may find a program close to you by clicking on
this link.
|
Printer Friendly
Text Version 
Email Page
