Oklahoma City Indian Clinic promotes National Stalker Awareness Month
OKLAHOMA CITY- Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, is a supporter of National Stalking Awareness Month and its call to action to recognize and respond to the serious crime of stalking.
January is National Stalking Awareness Month. According to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC), nearly 1-in-6 women and 1-in-17 men have experienced stalking victimization at some point in their lifetime.
“Stalking victims fear the unknown,” Robyn Sunday-Allen said, OKCIC Chief Executive Officer. “Learning about stalking tactics and behaviors can help people take action to protect themselves.”
Stalkers use many tactics, including:
- Approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim didn’t want them to be there
- Making unwanted telephone calls
- Leaving the victim unwanted messages (text or voice)
- Watching or following the victim from a distance
- Spying on the victim with a listening device, camera or GPS
According to SPARC, here are a few tips if you fear you are being stalked:
- Don’t communicate back with the stalker or respond to any of their attempts to contact you.
- 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, voicemails, letters and notes.
- Take threats seriously.
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.
“If spreading knowledge of stalking behaviors helps save one person, then it is worth it,” Sunday-Allen said.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.
