WOMEN'S CENTER SPONSORS STALKING AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS JAN. 22-25
The Old Dominion University Women's Center will observe National Stalking Awareness Month with a variety of events to educate and inform the campus community from Tuesday, Jan. 22, through Friday, Jan. 25.
January is National Stalking Awareness Month and the Women's Center is aiming to educate the public about the pervasive crime that affects nearly 1.4 million Americans a year. Stalking-typically defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear-is a criminal offense under the laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the federal government. Although its prevalence is high, public awareness that stalking is a crime remains dangerously low. One in 12 women and one in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime, for an average duration of almost two years. Seventy-six percent of female homicide victims were also stalked prior to their death, and more than half of these victims reported stalking to the police before being murdered by their stalkers.
Serving the Old Dominion University community since 1976, the Women's Center offers programs and services to address the special challenges and opportunities women students encounter related to their personal and academic success. Also, recognizing the critical role that both women and men play in creating a world that is free of gender bias, our goals include promoting healthy relationships and a safe and equitable environment that is free of barriers to all persons. Center services seek to empower all students to achieve their personal, academic and professional potential.
For more information or crisis support, please contact the Women's Center at 683-4109 or womenctr@odu.edu. For crisis information or resources visit www.odu.edu/womenscenter.
Events are as follows:
Information Table in South Mall, Webb Center
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 12:30 - 1:30p.m., Potomac/York Room, Webb Center
"Can You Tell? Stalking on Campus": In this presentation, you will watch a short video and participate in a discussion where you will learn how to identify stalking behaviors and what to do if you or a friend is being stalked.
Presented by: Kathleen Hodge, Director of Community Education & Outreach, Samaritan House
Co-sponsors: Alpha Phi, Pi Beta Phi, Mu Sigma Upsilon
Wednesday, Jan. 23, Noon - 1p.m., Chesapeake/Portsmouth Room, Webb Center
"Getting Justice: Law Enforcement Response to Stalking": Norfolk Police Department discusses the NPD response to stalking and how students can be safe.
Presented by: Det. Shauna Williams, Norfolk Police Department
Co-sponsors: Mu Sigma Upsilon
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7 - 8 p.m., North Cafeteria, Webb Center
"If I Am Missing or Dead": Author Janine Latus
An unflinching look inside the hushed-up epidemic of physically and emotionally battered women that issues a clarion call to end the silence. Book signing & reception will follow program.
Co-sponsors: Theta Chi Fraternity, Pi Beta Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Mu Sigma Upsilon
Thursday, Jan. 24, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., South Mall, Webb Center
"Test Your IQ": Students will test their IQ, win prizes, & have the opportunity to enter into a raffle! Come raise your awareness about stalking at ODU.