Living a life free of fear is a basic right for everyone. It goes against our values as a society when individuals who are stalked fear for their safety and freedom. When the rights of liberty and safety are violated, we have a duty as a compassionate community to help.
When we talk about the crime of stalking, it comes down to right versus wrong. It is wrong for individuals who are being stalked to fear for their safety and the safety of their families. It is wrong for stalking victims to feel like no place is safe. It is wrong for stalking victims to feel as if no one will believe them.
National Stalking Awareness Month in January 2015 is a time to focus on a crime that affects 6.6 million victims a year. This year’s national theme- “Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It”-challenges Idaho’s citizens to fight this dangerous crime by standing up against the injustice that is stalking.
In recognition of Stalking Awareness Month, January 2015, we invite you to join us for a webinar series and we encourage advocacy programs, law enforcement, mental health professionals, healthcare workers, attorneys and all allies to attend this series:
Compassionate communities learn what stalking is and listen to and believe victims when they reach out for help. It is wrong for victims of stalking to feel isolated and unsupported. This webinar will link the more well known crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault to the crime of stalking. This webinar will also discuss the use of stalking logs to document the crime and the importance of safety planning with victims.
Technology has proved to be a valuable resource to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. This same technology is also being misused by offenders to control victims. It is essential victims are made aware of these issues and plan for safety. This webinar will disucss how common technologies such as cell phones, computers and GPS devices are used to monitor victim’s actions.
Presenters:
Jennifer Landhuis is the Director of Social Change at the Idaho Coalition where she provides technical assistance and policy development to stakeholders statewide and nationally. Jennifer also completed her Master’s work on Campus Stalking and is a consultant for the Stalking Resource Center of the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington, D.C.
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=zlwfgyjab&oeidk=a07eackoq1if12011ef
If you have difficulties registering or would like additional information about the webinar series or the crime of stalking, please contact Jennifer Landhuis at jennifer@engagingvoices.org or call 1-208-384-0419 ext. 303.
In January 2004, the National Center for Victims of Crime launched National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM) to increase the public’s understanding of the crime of stalking. NSAM emerged from the work of the Stalking Resource Center, a National Center program funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, to raise awareness about stalking and help develop and implement multidisciplinary responses to the crime.
For more information and tons of free ideas that you can utilize to promote National Stalking Awareness Month, please visit www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org
The Idaho Coalition’s website also offers a wealth of information on stalking for service providers and other professionals. Follow the link below to find more information regarding our work in the field of stalking.
