Powder River Examiner -

January 2019 marks the 15th National Stalking Awareness Month. Stalking impacts over 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men in the United States, according to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The theme, “Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.” Challenges the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning more about it.

Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes fear. Stalking is implemented by abusers through a variety of tactics such as placing unwanted calls and texts, showing up unannounced at the victim’s home or workplace, damaging the victim’s property, tracking the victim’s whereabouts and making threats against his or her safety. Stalking can be an extension of power and control in an abusive relationship, and many abusers stalk their partners both during and after the relationship has ended. Intimate partner stalkers are the most dangerous stalkers; they are more likely to approach victims, escalate behaviors, re-offend and assault their victims.

Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault (CNADA) provides free and confidential advocacy to victims of stalking, domestic abuse, and sexual assault. If you need assistance or would like more information about how you can help those victimized call CNADA at 951-0475 in Miles City or 853-2991 in Forsyth. Find us on Facebook (Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault).