On Jan. 28, international speaker and stalking survivor Anna Nasset will be visiting Wright State University to discuss her experience and how to support stalking survivors. Nasset’s panel is appropriately scheduled during Stalking Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of stalking and the actions that must be taken to address it.
Stalking Awareness
Stalking Awareness Month was launched in 2004 in response to activist Debbie Riddle, whose sister, Peggy Klinke, was murdered by her stalker. Since then, public awareness of stalking has increased but is still unfortunately lacking.
Dana Fleitman is a Training & Awareness Specialist at the Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center, or SPARC, which Nasset cites as a valuable resource in her situation.
Fleitman expresses the importance of taking action early, which often does not happen due to victims not being taken seriously.
“[Stalking] is one of the few victimizations and crimes where early identification and intervention can help prevent further trauma, violence and possibly even homicide,” Fleitman said. “But only if we name it as stalking, take it seriously, recognize the risks and really have that sense of urgency with our victims and survivors.”
Fleitman lists several ways to promote stalking awareness: supporting loved ones who are exhibiting signs of being stalked; getting involved in Stalking Awareness Month; and spreading information and education about the crime of stalking wherever possible.
The motto of SPARC training is simple: “Know it. Name it. Stop it.”
Now I Speak
Nasset discusses her personal experience with stalking in greater detail in her memoir, Now I Speak: From Stalked to Standing Up. The WSU Women’s Center hosted a book discussion on Wednesday, Jan. 15 and will host another the following week.
In her memoir, Nasset outlines the events of her situation as well as its long-term effects on her life, many being invisible or misunderstood. She makes clear that her experience is not an isolated incident but reflective of a global issue.
“I’m not special; I’m not unique. I am set apart in that I have the privilege to share my story when millions of others cannot,” Nasset wrote.
The phrase “millions of others” may sound shocking, but it is statistically accurate. According to a November 2024 article by the CDC, “about one in three women and one in six men have been stalked at some point in their lives.”
Stalking is a pervasive, pressing issue, and combating it starts with hearing and discussing the stories of survivors like Nasset.
“My only hope,” Nasset said, “is that my words will allow others to not only have a voice but have a life.”
Resources
Nasset’s panel will take place on Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the Endeavor Room (Student Union 156).
Those seeking related information and resources may visit the SPARC website.
YWCA Dayton serves those who have experienced housing instability or interpersonal violence, including stalking.
Other sources of direct support for victims of stalking include Safe Horizon (1-866-689-HELP), the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE), and Victim Connect (1-855-4-VICTIM).
Stalking is an issue that continues to be prevalent today, but with the resources above and further educating yourself, we can work to lessen its impact.
