December 20, 2024

Recognizing January as National Stalking Awareness Month

Each January, National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM) calls on communities to confront the serious and often overlooked crime of stalking. Stalking involves a pattern of repeated behavior directed at a specific individual, instilling fear for their safety or that of others. Unlike many other crimes, stalking is defined not by a single event but by a series of actions that cumulatively devastate the victim or survivor.

Stalking behaviors include unwanted physical proximity, persistent non-consensual communication, implied or explicit threats, and the delivery of unwanted gifts—often with underlying, menacing messages. At its core, stalking mirrors the dynamics of domestic violence, as it is fundamentally rooted in power and control. Alarmingly, intimate partner stalkers are the most likely to escalate their behavior, with stalking serving as a chilling predictor of lethality. According to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC), stalking precedes attempted homicides in 85% of cases involving intimate partners.

Stalking as a Crime

Stalking is a criminal offense in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, Federal law, and many tribal codes. In New York State, stalking is defined as intentional conduct directed at a specific person that causes reasonable fear of harm. Charges may also apply when the perpetrator’s actions harm the victim’s mental or emotional health or threaten their employment. Penalties for stalking range from three months in jail for a fourth-degree offense to up to seven years in prison for a first-degree offense.

Victims of stalking in New York have access to protective measures, such as the State’s Address Confidentiality Program, which helps shield their physical location from abusers. More information is available at dos.ny.gov/address-confidentiality. Additionally, the New York State Office of Victim Services provides reimbursement for expenses such as shelter and crime scene cleanup, even for victims who have not sustained physical injuries.

Understanding the Intersection of Stalking and Domestic Violence

Stalking and domestic violence are often intertwined, with many survivors experiencing stalking as part of the abuse cycle. Even after a relationship ends, perpetrators may use stalking to maintain control and terrorize their victims. During NSAM, it is critical to highlight the intersection of these crimes and advocate for resources and interventions that prioritize survivor safety.

Technology plays a significant role in stalking, with abusers frequently exploiting digital platforms to monitor, harass, and control victims. Survivors can access resources to help navigate these challenges, including:

Raising Awareness and Taking Action

You can contribute to National Stalking Awareness Month by:

  • Sharing information about stalking and its impact on social media
  • Attending or hosting training sessions on stalking awareness
  • Planning public awareness campaigns in your community

For more tools and ideas, check out the official NSAM Social Media Toolkit.

Additionally, save the date for January 18, 2025—the second National Day of Action for Stalking Awareness! On this day, show your support by posting a photo of yourself or your team sparkling against stalking. Print a sign from this link or create your own, and consider wearing something sparkly, posing in front of a sparkly curtain, or repurposing holiday tinsel or decorations. Use the opportunity to spread awareness and stand in solidarity with survivors.

Resources for Support

For those seeking more information or resources, consider exploring:

 

National Stalking Awareness Month is an essential initiative to illuminate the pervasive nature of stalking and its deep connection to domestic violence. By fostering greater understanding, advocating for systemic change, and empowering survivors, we can work together to create safer communities and support victims on their path to healing and justice.