A Difficult Crime To Tackle

Sonora, CA- January is National Stalking Awareness Month and local prosecutors note the Mother Lode is not immune to the personally invasive crime.

The Center For A Non Violent Community (CNVC) has launched a community stalking awareness campaign called “Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It,” which focuses on a crime that affects nearly 7.5 million victims each year in the US.

The center notes that in one out of every five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims, and stalking is one of the significant risk factors for what is termed “femicide” or homicide of women in abusive relationships. One in four victims reports that use of computers, global positioning system devices, or hidden cameras, as a way to track the victim’s daily activities. Victims suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression at much higher rates than the general population, which can result in lost time from work or having to move because of their victimization.

Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate and prosecute, as there are differences in its definition from state to state. Additionally, the stalking can consist of assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, animal abuse, as well as unwanted cards, gifts, or visits. Tuolumne County District Attorney Laura Krieg notes communities that understand stalking can support victims and combat the crime. She states, “If more people are aware of stalking,” said District Attorney Laura Krieg, “we can work to prevent it and to protect victims.”

CNVC and Krieg’s office through the Victim/Witness Program are teaming up to promote awareness and public education about stalking through social media. For more information on stalking in the community, call A Non Violent Community at 209-588-9305 or click here.