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Stalker Terrorizes Victims
WASHINGTON – A disturbing trend of stalking crimes has claimed millions of victims, leaving a trail of emotional and psychological trauma in its wake. According to a report by the Office of Justice Program’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 3.4 million persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking during a 12-month period.
The victims of these crimes often suffer from unwanted phone calls, sending unsolicited or unwanted letters or e-mails, following or spying on the victim, showing up at places without a legitimate reason, waiting at places for the victim, leaving unwanted items, presents or flowers and posting information or spreading rumors about the victim on the Internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth.
Attorney General Eric Holder, Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli and Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Susan B. Carbon today opened an event focused on the complexities and impact of stalking crimes. The program featured a panel of speakers who shared their involvement in one family’s experience as victims of stalking, and their work to investigate and identify stalking behavior, and make changes to a state law to protect victims.
“Commemorating National Stalking Awareness Month today allows the department to underscore our commitment and efforts to prevent violence against women, to empower victims, and to hold perpetrators accountable and bring them to justice,” said Attorney General Holder. “By providing a model for how a potential tragedy can be turned into opportunity, today’s guests also inspire our efforts in meeting the goals and responsibilities that we share.”
The event, which welcomed an audience of victim advocates, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, congressional staffers, and representatives from national organizations and federal agencies, focused on the story of a young girl, Hannah Perryman, who was stalked and faced a criminal justice system that was, at the time, ill-equipped to provide the assistance she needed.
“Stalking is a crime that affects families, work colleagues, and entire communities,” said Associate Attorney General Perrelli. “Therefore, when we help communities recognize stalking behavior as criminal and provide tools to help them deal with this crime, we support victims and take a step towards ending violence against women.”
Resources and information related to stalking awareness month are located on OVW’s website at www.ovw.usdoj.gov and the Stalking Resource Center’s National Stalking Awareness Month website at www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Violent Crime|Cybercrime|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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