January 2026 Designated as 'National Stalking Awareness Month' to Boost Prevention Efforts

Alright, let's talk about something that might not always get the spotlight it deserves but is super important: stalking. This resolution, straight up, is about officially designating January 2026 as "National Stalking Awareness Month." It's not a new law with fines or anything; it's more about shining a big, bright light on an issue that affects way too many people.

Shining a Light on Stalking

So, what's the big deal here? Basically, this resolution (Section 1) is making it official: January 2026 is going to be dedicated to raising awareness about stalking. Think of it like those months dedicated to heart health or breast cancer awareness. The goal is to get people talking, understanding, and ultimately, preventing stalking. This isn't just some symbolic gesture; it's about creating a focused period where the issue gets more airtime, hopefully leading to more people recognizing the signs and knowing what to do.

Giving Credit Where It's Due

The resolution doesn't just declare a month; it also takes a moment to give a shout-out to all the folks already in the trenches. It specifically "Applauds the efforts of service providers, police departments, prosecutors' offices, national and community organizations, colleges and universities, and private sector entities" (Section 2) that are working hard to combat stalking, support victims, and generally raise awareness. This is a big deal because it acknowledges the often-unsung heroes who are doing the heavy lifting daily. For example, that local victim support group you might have heard of? They're getting a nod here, recognizing their crucial role.

Keeping the Momentum Going

Beyond just applauding, this resolution is also about encouraging everyone to keep pushing forward. It "Encourages policymakers, criminal justice officials, victim service and human service agencies, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to increase awareness of stalking and to continue supporting the availability of services for stalking victims" (Section 3). This means it's a call to action for everyone from your local city council to college campuses to make sure resources are available and people know about them. For instance, if you're a student, this could mean your university stepping up its on-campus support services or running more awareness campaigns. It also "Urges national and community organizations, private sector businesses, and the media to promote awareness of the crime of stalking during National Stalking Awareness Month" (Section 4), basically asking everyone with a platform to help spread the word. So, expect to see more PSAs, articles, and discussions around January 2026, all aimed at making sure stalking isn't something that gets swept under the rug.