Description
Jodi’s Voice was founded as a result of tragedy. On January 5, 2007, Jodi Sanderholm was murdered by a stalker who as court records have shown had been stalking her for ten years. As Jodi’s family and friends were left wondering how this could happen more information was being released to describe multiple events that should have led to this monster’s arrest prior to Jodi’s death. Almost 20 women had complained about him in the past by reporting to law enforcement that he had followed, grabbed or harassed them in some way. However, due to the way the laws in 2007 were written police were left with no options until it was too late for Jodi.
Stalking is a crime that affects at least 3.4 million people annually in the United States. Our society continues to normalize the behavior causing victims to live in constant fear rather than reporting the crime to law enforcement.
Jodi was an incredible young woman in many ways. Her life was cut short long before its time and she was not allowed to truly fulfill the impact she was bound to make on this world. However, her untimely death has led to legislative change in Kansas and New Mexico, as well as, an abundance of awareness to the crime of stalking. It was a desire to not let Jodi’s death be in vain that caused the birth of a movement that has changed lives.
Currently, Jodi’s Voice is developing a one-hour documentary dedicated to offering the audience a glimpse of life as a stalking victim. Additionally, Jodi’s Voice will launch a teen safety website in October 2010. The site will offer teens their own voice regarding safe Internet/social media usage and safe dating.
Future plans for Jodi’s Voice include a victim’s shelter with relocation services for the stalking cases when the victim feels the need to relocate to eliminate the stalking (estimated 14% of victims). Fundraising efforts will be ongoing for this capital project.
