Victims of stalking are harassed, manipulated and fear their perpetrator. Most victims are stalked by someone they know or have been in intimate relationships with. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-in-six women and one-in-19 men have experienced stalking. National estimates for American Indian and multiracial women are almost 60% greater than white, black and Hispanic women.
Every other month, OKCIC’s Wellness Center hosts Women’s Self-Defense Seminars. Victims and survivors often suffer anxiety, social dysfunction and severe depression as a result of their victimization.
These self defense seminars provide women with confidence to defend themselves and provide lifesaving techniques to protect themselves from being attacked. Defense tactics include punches, kicks, hair grabs and how to get out of locked positions.
OKCIC Women’s Self-Defense Seminar is available to all women, including patients and non-patients, ages 12 and up. The class is located in the third floor demonstration kitchen at 5208 W. Reno Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73127. To register, please call (405) 948-4900 ext. 618 or visit the Wellness Center.
According to Stalking Resource Center, here are a few tips to do if you fear you are being stalked.
- Don’t communicate with the stalker or respond to any of their attempts of contact.
- Trust your instincts. Don’t downplay danger. If you feel unsafe, chances are you are in danger.
- Tell friends, family and co-workers about the stalking.
- Keep evidence, including any messages, voice mails, letters and notes.
- Take threats seriously.
- Stalking can include excessive phone calls, constant contact, showing up unannounced at your work or house and excessive misuse of social media contact to the point of fear.
If you think you are being stalked, contact Victim Connect helpline at 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846). If you think you are in immediate danger, call 911.