ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ – January marks the twentieth National Stalking Awareness Month, as recognized by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office (ACPO).
The ACPO, in conjunction with the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC), is raising awareness about stalking, a crime often leading to severe emotional distress for victims.
In 2023, Atlantic County reported 324 cases of stalking and harassment, a significant increase from the previous year.
Patricia Hayek, Director of the Office of Victim Witness Advocacy, emphasized the importance of the newly enacted Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Act (VASPA) in New Jersey.
Effective from the start of 2024, VASPA extends protective orders to victims of stalking and cyber harassment, even if they had no prior relationship with the offender.