Statistics have shown that 7.5 million Americans are stalked yearly. The majority of victims of stalking are between the ages of 18 and 24 and are often victimized by someone they know, often an intimate partner.

January is "Stalking Awareness" month and Women's Resources of Monroe County is holding an awareness event to bring attention to the seriousness of stalking and to help members of the community to recognize and respond to stalking.The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdayat the Eastern Monroe Public Library in the community room.The guest speaker will be Detective Wendy Serfass of the Monroe County District Attorney's Office. The public is encouraged to attend.Stalking is defined as "a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear."Serfass will provide information on what to do if you find yourself a victim of stalking and what your legal options are.For more information, call 570 424-2093, ext. 20.