The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) reminds residents that January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects 3.4 million victims a year. This year’s theme—“Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.”—challenges the nation to fight this dangerous crime by learning more about it.

“Stalking is an extremely serious form of domestic abuse that can be difficult to identify, and is therefore grossly underreported,” said Jennifer Welch, deputy commissioner, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Division on Domestic Violence. “National Stalking Awareness Month provides us with an excellent opportunity to talk about stalking, understand how to recognize stalking and learn where to get help.”

Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime, but a series of acts directed at a specific person that would cause that person fear or emotional distress. Stalking may take many forms, such as assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, or animal abuse, as well as unwanted calls, texts, cards, gifts, or visits.

Individuals interested in more information about stalking, or those in need of non-emergency domestic violence assistance, can call the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line at 1-877-TO-END-DV (1-877-863-6338 and TTY 1-877-863-6339). For more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/fss.