January is National Stalking Awareness Month and the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office is releasing various facts and figures to better educate the community about the dangers of stalking.
One of the most important points that the NCSO has conveyed to the community is the fact that the most common tactic used to harass victims is spam phone calls.
This tactic, according to the NCSO, accounts for 76% of harassment of women and 75% of harassment of men.
Text messages or emails represent 56% of women and 60% of men.
Messaging is the second most important method of stalking for men, but the second most important method of stalking for women is when someone accidentally approaches or shows up.
60% of stalking incidents involving women involve being followed or watched. This is true for men about 36% of the time.
In 23% of cases of harassment of women, the harasser sneaks into her house or car and leaves a sign of his presence. This is true for 21% of the cases of harassment of men.
But who really are the stalkers? The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office has also shared information with the community in this regard.
According to the NCSO, harassers are, in most cases, current or former acquaintances or partners; acquaintances 42% of the time, and current or former partners 40% of the time.
“In popular culture, stalkers are often portrayed as shadowy strangers or mysterious secret admirers,” the NCSO wrote. “In reality, the vast majority of offenders know their victims and are primarily intimate partners or acquaintances.”
Other categories of bullies include strangers (19%), family members (8%), and those involved in brief encounters (8%). People are harassed by Persons of Authority 4% of the time.
All of these facts are surprising, but the fact that 40% of victims are stalked by current or former partners is the most interesting.
According to the Stalking Awareness website, 57% of victims of stalking by an intimate partner are actually stalked. during the relationship.
“There is a real and frighteningly significant connection between stalking and intimate partner violence,” the website stated. “Stalking often occurs along with intimate partner violence and can be an indicator of other forms of violence. Stalking can be a way to exert power and control during and/or after an abusive relationship.”
The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide bullying information to the community throughout the month of January.
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