Nonprofit Spotlight: Jodi’s Voice and Stalking Legislation

I’ve been considering how to approach nonprofit promotion on this blog since its launch in February of 2011. While I am still considering some sort of formal system, a post I read over at Danny Brown’s this morning spoke to me personally and inspired me to just jump right in! So I want tell you about Jodi’s Voice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating stalking.

My Experience with a Stalker

I actually have not thought about it for awhile, but many years ago, a female close to me was the victim of stalking. While I don’t think it is my place to discuss the details publicly, I will say that I was close enough to the situation to be involved with both the problem and the solution. We were fortunate; we were able to apply some pressure and put an end to the situation before it got out of hand. It doesn’t always go that way.

Thinking back on the situation, what resonates most with me these many years later is the incredible amount of fear and uncertainty that is involved with even the beginning stages of stalking. I remember the questions we had to consider: Should she drive to school by herself? Be left alone at her house? Walk to the car unescorted? Stalking is real, and can have a dramatic affect on the psyches and lives of the victims it affects. Our experience was prior to the days of the Internet and social media; now stalking has become even more prevalent and harder to combat.

Watch the video below to understand the problem of stalking better.

Jodi’s Voice, Stalking Laws, and Awareness

Jodi’s Voice is addressing the issue of stalking through education, an upcoming event in Las Vegas, and through support of tougher legislation. Better stalking laws are an important step forward in giving law enforcement the tools that it needs to protect stalking victims before the harassment escalates. You only have to read Jodi’s story or The Gift of Fear (not aff) by Gavin DeBecker to understand how little remedies like restraining orders actually help. Thoughtful legislation in this area, which remains balanced with personal rights and presumption of innocence, can help the millions of stalking victims that are living their lives in fear as you read these words.

I hope you will go over to Danny Brown’s post on Jodi’s Voice and read more about this great cause and his 12 for 12K organization. I just made a donation via the widget on his blog, and it was very simple. I hope you will do so too.

Further Reading on Stalking Laws and Cyberstalking

• Overview of Stalking Legislation
• Wikipedia on Cyberstalking
• Overview of Cyberstalking from National Conference of State Legislatures

Post Addition: June 5, 2011

With the help of the great 12for12K, I was able to add this ChipIn! widget so you can donate to Jodi’s Voice below. Please support this important cause.