STALKING AWARENESS MONTH

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

January 2020 marks the 16th anniversary of National Stalking Awareness Month. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, rates of stalking among college students are higher than in the general population. Over half of female victims and a third of male victims are stalked before the age of 25. People of any gender can be stalked. More than 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men will be stalked in their lifetime.

Stalkers usually target people they know, acquaintances, family members, ex-romantic partners, or sometimes, total strangers. Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior (course of conduct) directed at a specific person that causes fear. Many stalking victims experience being followed, harassed or the subject of vicious rumors, nasty texts or emails. They can receive unwanted gifts, be monitored or threatened, using various forms of GPS technology, and some even have their accounts hacked.

Yet, despite the numbers, due to the terrible psychological and emotional impacts victims experience, many fail to report it. Victims are constantly looking over their shoulders, feeling alone, scared and vulnerable.

This does not need to happen!

Stalking is a crime in Oregon, and in all 50 states, but it can be difficult to recognize and connect the dots when the events appear to be singular in nature. The reality is, the vast majority of victims tell friends or family about the stalking, first. Therefore, we all have a role to play in identifying stalking, intervening when necessary and supporting victims and survivors.

If you know of anyone being stalked, on or off campus, and in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If you want more information, or need help, please contact the MHCC Counseling Department at 503-491-7432 (Room 1152 on the Gresham campus) or the MHCC Public Safety Department, 503-491-7310 (Room 2330).

Learn more at: https://www.stalkingawareness.org/

Let’s stop stalking in its tracks. And, remember: If you see something, say something.

Cherilyn Nederhiser

Lead Public Safety Officer,

MHCC Public Safety Department