Ever feel that you have to look your shoulder to see who’s following you? Do you sometimes start running fast down a dark street because you’re afraid that if you don’t that someone who’s behind you will catch up and harm you?

Stalkers are people who repeatedly follow you, send you letters and gifts, talk to you when you don’t want them to, or threaten you. You could be stalked by a boyfriend or girlfriend you’re now dating, someone you dated in the past, or a perfect stranger. Over a million women in the US last year were stalked. Eight out of ten of the stalkers who victimized these females constantly followed them, stood outside their homes, place of work, gym or friend’s house. Six out of every ten stalkers made unwanted phone calls or sent unwanted letters or gifts. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, 77% of female and 64% of MALE victims know their stalker.

Stalking is a crime punishable by a jail sentence and/or fines. The legal definition of stalking and the punishment for it is different from state to state, but it is a crime everywhere. If you think that you are being stalked, remember it is NOT YOUR FAULT. It is the fault of the “sickos” who have nothing better to do in their empty lives than to turn into leeches, attaching themselves to others and draining them of their feelings of security and joy.

If you or someone you know is being stalked get rid of the leech by:

• Quickly telling your parents, friends, teacher or guidance counselor, or some other trusted adult what is happening to you.
• Calling the police.
• Contacting 1-800-FYI-CALL or gethelp@ncvc.org.