Stalking Victims are Shafted All Over the United States

Alexis Moore is a well respected leader in the national efforts to improve direct services and assistance to stalking and domestic violence victims. In a recent blog post, she points out that this is stalking awareness month, but "awareness" is woefully inadequate, especially at a time when society already knows that stalking is a serious crime that often leads to violence. Direct assistance to stalking victims is greatly needed all over the United States. (Click on her blog in the column on the right to read her whole well-written post.)

What's bitterly ironic in New York is the legislature already decided awhile ago that stalking victims should be compensated for security devices and other direct services. No doubt many New Yorkers died from escalated violence before this law was enacted. The legislature took steps to make sure protection and advocacy was provided because history already proved it was necessary.

Section 631 of the Executive Law says stalking victims are compensated for security devices and other direct services.

The Chairwoman of the New York State Crime Victims Board did not know this. She also told me they don't get many applications for security devices.


So here's the reality:

Too many activists, like the National Stalking Center, think "awareness" is enough, and don't provide or advocate for direct services to help stalking victims.

In many states, victims of stalking are not considered eligible for compensation for services.

In New York, however, stalking victims are eligible for security devices and other direct services, but the chairwoman of the NYS Crime Victims Board does not know or follow the law.

So, this is national stalking awareness month. In New York, let's start following New York state law and provide services to stalking victims and GET THE WORD OUT that services are available.