Although the headlines are often strewn with celebrities and public figures fighting stalkers, it is a problem that can affect anyone.
January marks the 10th annual Stalking Awareness month.
The month was created to help people become more educated on signs of stalking and what to do in different types of situations where they may encounter stalking.
The Women’s Center is observing the month by hosting a brown bag lunch that explores the topic.
“We wanted to do something for stalking awareness month,” said Sarah Jenkins, program coordinator for the Women’s Center. “It is a crime that a lot of people don’t take seriously and we wanted to bring attention to that.”
Many laws are not up to date on stalking, and stalkers can often slip through the cracks. In many stalking situations, the police cannot take action before there is actual physical harm.
“The police can do very little until the person has hurt you or in worse case scenario kill you,” Jenkins said.
Debbie Riddle, stalking awareness educator and Ohio University alumna, will speak at and host the lunch.
“Riddle is a really good person to talk about this from personal experience,” Jenkins said.
Riddle’s sister, Peggy Klinke, was killed by her stalker in 2003. Despite doing “everything right” and documenting signs of stalking and contacting the police, she was unable to find help.
“…The police kept telling her over and over again that they couldn’t do anything,” Jenkins said.
Debbie’s sister’s case in not uncommon. About 1.6 million people are stalked each year, according to Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. One in 12 women and one in 45 men will experience some form of stalking or harassment at some point in their lives.
But, there is some change happening. Riddle spoke before Congress in 2003 and on the same day that she shared her sister’s story, a resolution was sponsored to create National Stalking Awareness Month.
The talk is part of the Brown Bag Lunch series that the Women’s Center hosts each Thursday.
“We like to bring in different folks to speak at our brown bag lunches,” said Jenkins.
“Each with different topics all sorts of things that are related to the mission of the Women’s Center.”
If you or someone you know feels they are being stalked, call the National Sexual Assault Helpline at 1.800.656.HOPE or call 911 in immediate danger.
If You Go
What: Brown Bag Lunch and Learn: Debbie Riddle, Stalking Awareness Educator
When: 12 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Women’s Center,
Baker 403
Admission: Free
@annachristine38
AG896312@ohiou.edu
