Chances are you or an acquaintance have been victimized by a stalker at some point in your adult lifetime. Statistics from the US Department of Justice show that an estimated 3.4 million people age 18 or older were victims of stalking last year. What exactly is stalking? Any course of conduct that targets a specific person with the intention of to cause that person to feel fear.
Some identified stalking behaviors include:
making 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
posting information or spreading rumors about the victim
on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth.
In a twelve month survey by the US Department of Justice they were able to obtain the following statistics.
During a 12-month period an estimated 14 in every
1,000 persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking
About half (46%) of stalking victims experienced at least
one unwanted contact per week, and 11% of victims said
they had been stalked for 5 years or more.
The risk of stalking victimization was highest for individuals
who were divorced or separated—34 per 1,000
individuals.
Women were at greater risk than men for stalking victimization;
however, women and men were equally likely to
experience harassment.
Male (37%) and female (41%) stalking victimizations
were equally likely to be reported to the police.
Approximately 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form
of cyberstalking such as e-mail (83%) or instant messaging
(35%).
46% of stalking victims felt fear of not knowing what
would happen next.
Nearly 3 in 4 stalking victims knew their offender in some
capacity.
As you can see stalking is very dangerous and should be taken with all seriousness. Our self defense products are proven to prevent and deter stalking crimes. At the same time our non-lethal weapons will give you the self confidence you need.