From Staff Reports

HOOVER – In an effort to grow awareness related to stalking and to provide access to resources for students who may experience stalking, Jefferson State’s Shelby-Hoover Campus will partner with SafeHouse on Tuesday, Jan. 17 for an informational event.

Presentations featuring SafeHouse’s Prevention and Intervention Education Coordinator Amber Sutton and Jefferson State Police Chief Mark Bailey will take place at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Health Science Building multi-purpose room.

Topics will include the common signs of stalking and resources available for those experiencing it. An informational table will also be set up throughout the day.

“Jefferson State is proud to partner with SafeHouse to help inform our students and our community about issues related to stalking,” Jefferson State Director of Community Relations David Bobo said. “All of us at Jefferson State take great pride providing a safe and protected environment for learning. This informational event will help our students to recognize this behavior and to help assist in prevention.”

Stalking is illegal behavior that may include intentionally following, harassing, telephoning or initiating unwanted communication.

According to the National Intimate Partner Violence Survey in 2011, statistics estimate that 15 percent of women and 6 percent of men have been a victim of stalking during their lifetimes. Data from the Stalking Resource Center shows that 13 percent of women report being stalked while at college—a rate higher than that among the general public.

SafeHouse of Shelby County provides domestic violence and sexual assault services for Shelby, Clay, Coosa and Chilton counties, including safe shelter, court advocacy, counseling and case management.

SafeHouse is the only service provider in its area that is a certified member of both the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Alabama Coalition Against Rape.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault is encouraged to call the confidential crisis hotline at 669-SAFE (7233) or visit SafeHouse.org.