Senate Declares January 2025 'National Stalking Awareness Month': A Push for Education and Victim Support

The Senate is officially designating January 2025 as "National Stalking Awareness Month," according to a newly introduced resolution. This isn't just a symbolic gesture; it's a direct call to action to raise awareness about the serious and often underreported crime of stalking, support victims, and push for better prevention efforts.

Shining a Light on Stalking

The resolution lays out the stark reality of stalking in the US. It affects millions every year, and it doesn't discriminate – victims come from all walks of life. The bill highlights a crucial point: stalking often involves someone the victim knows, like a current or former partner, and frequently includes threats of physical harm. In fact, the resolution directly links stalking to an increased risk of homicide. It also points out that for many victims, stalking is a long-term nightmare, forcing them to take drastic measures to protect themselves and often leading to serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Section 1 of the bill spells this out clearly.

What Needs to Change?

The resolution acknowledges that stalking is significantly underreported. Many victims don't come forward, and the bill calls for improvements across the board – from how the criminal justice system handles these cases to increasing services for victims and creating programs tailored to specific needs. It particularly emphasizes the high rates of stalking among young adults and college students, noting that individuals with disabilities are especially vulnerable. The resolution also addresses the growing problem of technology being used to stalk victims. Section 1.

Taking Action

Beyond just raising awareness, the resolution directly applauds the work of individuals and organizations already fighting stalking and supporting victims. It then issues a direct challenge: it encourages everyone – organizations, businesses, and the media – to actively promote awareness of stalking during National Stalking Awareness Month (Section 2). Think public service announcements, educational campaigns, and increased support for local resources. The goal is clear: make sure people understand what stalking is, how serious it is, and where victims can turn for help.

This resolution is about recognizing a pervasive problem and sparking real change. It’s about making sure victims are heard, supported, and protected, and that communities are equipped to prevent stalking before it starts.