Stalking remains a serious problem in the US. According to the US National Center for the Victims of Crime, over a million women and nearly 380,000 men are stalked every year. A 2009 report issued by the US Department of Justice revealed more disturbing statistics.
- Fourteen out of every 1,000 individuals over the age of 18 became a stalking victim during a 12-month period.
- About 46 percent of victims experienced at least one unwanted contact on a weekly basis, and 11 percent of victims were stalked for five years or more.
- The risk for stalking were highest among separated or divorced individuals, at the rate of 34 per 1,000 persons.
- Women were at a higher risk for being a stalking victims than men.
- About 43 percent of stalking victims contacted police at least once.
- Of the stalking incidents reported to the police, 37 percent were male victims and 41 percent were female victims.
- One in four victims reported some form of cyberstalking. The most common form of cyberstalking was Email at 83 percent, followed by instant messaging at 35 percent. Electronic monitoring devices such as bugs, phone taps, GPS monitoring or video was used to stalk 1 in 13 victims.
- Approximately 46 percent of stalking victims experienced fear of not knowing what would happen next.
- Nearly three out of four victims knew their stalker.
A first offense of stalking is a Class 5 felony in Colorado. It is a Class 4 felony if the stalking occurred while a restraining order, parole, probation, injunction or any other court order was in effect against the stalker. Subsequent acts of stalking are also a Class 4 felony. If you stand accused of stalking, you will need a Colorado criminal defense attorney to present your side of the story. A Colorado criminal defense attorney can explain Colorado’s stalking laws and advise you of your rights and legal defense options.
