(From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office)

January is recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, as well as National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM). Sheriff Michael Cortez would like to take a moment to highlight both awareness efforts.

Jan. 18 commemorates the murder of Peggy Klinke at the hands of her stalker in 2003. For Peggy and for all victims and survivors of stalking, help us spark a conversation on stalking on Jan. 18 by posting a sparkly photo with the hashtag #SparkleAgainstStalking to help us bring back the sparkle for all victims and survivors of stalking.

More information can be found: https://www.stalkingawareness.org/day-of-action/

More than 20 years ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) demonstrated the United States’ commitment to combating human trafficking, domestically and internationally. January is an opportunity to highlight the work being done every single day to prevent and respond to human trafficking.

If you believe you are the victim of stalking, please reach out to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office to discuss your concerns!