January 2025 Declared National Stalking Awareness Month: Focus Shifts to Tech-Driven Stalking, Underreporting

The new bill officially designates January 2025 as "National Stalking Awareness Month." This isn't just a symbolic gesture; it's a push to bring the often-hidden issue of stalking into the national spotlight, highlighting its prevalence, impact, and the urgent need for better responses.

Facing the Facts

The bill lays out some stark realities: about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the U.S. experience stalking, totaling over 13.4 million people each year. Most victims know their stalker, and many face direct threats. The bill also connects stalking to intimate partner homicide, noting that a significant percentage of female homicide victims were stalked in the year prior to their deaths. It acknowledges that stalking can drag on for years, forcing victims to take extreme measures to protect themselves and often leading to serious mental health consequences.

Beyond the Headlines

This resolution goes beyond just raising awareness. It calls for concrete action. Think improved responses from law enforcement, more support services for victims, and programs tailored to specific groups, like college students and people with disabilities, who face higher risks. The bill also acknowledges that stalking isn’t just physical anymore, with the use of technology, it is easier for stalkers to track their victims. The resolution highlights that technology-facilitated stalking is a growing problem, amplifying victims' fears.

Putting it into Practice

Imagine a college student constantly harassed through social media and fake accounts, or a person with a disability whose caretaker uses tracking apps to control their movements. These are the kinds of scenarios this bill aims to address. By shining a light on these issues, the hope is to encourage not only better support for victims but also to push for changes in how law enforcement and the courts handle stalking cases. It calls on colleges, nonprofits, businesses, and even the media to step up and play a role in educating the public and supporting victims.

Real Talk

This isn't about creating a 'feel-good' moment; it's about tackling a serious problem that affects millions. The bill directly calls out the underreporting of stalking and the need for real changes in how the criminal justice system and victim services operate. It's a recognition that what's currently being done isn't enough and that a more coordinated, informed approach is needed to protect victims and prevent future harm.