January is Stalking Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a form of abuse that is widespread, deeply harmful, and often misunderstood. At The Second Step, we know that stalking is not about unwanted attention. It is about power, control, and fear. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness, support survivors, and affirm the strength and resilience of those who have lived through stalking.
Stalking is defined as a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviors that cause fear or emotional distress. These behaviors can include:
- Showing up at your home or workplace unannounced or uninvited
- Sending you unwanted texts, messages, letters or voicemails
- Leaving you unwanted items, gifts or flowers
- Calling and hanging up repeatedly or making unwanted calls to you, your employer, a professor, or a loved one
- Using social media or technology to track your activities
- Spreading rumors about you online or in person
- Manipulating other people to investigate your life
- Waiting around at places you spend time
- Damaging your home, car, or other property
Stalking often occurs alongside domestic violence and is most commonly perpetrated by someone the survivor knows, such as a current or former intimate partner.
The prevalence of stalking is staggering. Nearly 1 in 3 women in the United States will experience stalking in their lifetime, compared to about 1 in 6 men. An estimated 13.5 million people are stalked each year, with young adults ages 18–24 experiencing the highest rates. Importantly, stalking is not harmless. Research shows it is associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of intimate partner homicide, making early intervention and survivor support critical.
Stalking has serious emotional and practical impacts. Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and ongoing fear. Many are forced to change routines, jobs, or living situations to stay safe. Technology has also increased opportunities for stalking, allowing abusers to monitor survivors through social media, apps, and digital tracking.
Why January? The Origins of Stalking Awareness Month
January was designated as National Stalking Awareness Month in 2004 by the National Center for Victims of Crime and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), with the goal of educating the public about stalking, strengthening responses from law enforcement and service providers, and honoring survivors.
One significant day this month is the 18th, the National Day of Action for Stalking Awareness. This date was chosen in memory of Peggy Klinke, whose tragic murder by her stalker sparked national advocacy and helped bring Stalking Awareness Month to life.
The Strength and Resilience of Survivors
Survivors demonstrate extraordinary resilience, taking steps to protect themselves, seek help, and rebuild their lives despite constant fear and uncertainty. This resilience shows up not only in individual acts of courage, but also in efforts to create safer communities and lasting change. For example, Peggy Klinke’s sister, Debbie Riddle, turned devastating personal loss into a nationwide movement that helped launch Stalking Awareness Month and continues to mobilize communities for change.
At The Second Step, we see this resilience every day. Survivors work with our advocates and attorneys to create safety plans, pursue legal protections, support their children, and reclaim their independence. Strength is found not only in surviving, but in continuing forward. We stand beside survivors through healing and the steps to a brighter, secure future.
During Stalking Awareness Month, we invite our community to take action:
- Learn the signs of stalking and take survivors seriously
- Listen without judgment and believe survivors
- Support organizations that provide specialized advocacy, safety planning, and legal services
- Advocate for stronger protections and resources for survivors
Stalking Awareness Month reminds us that stalking is a serious crime. It also reminds us of the strength of survivors. When we center their voices, believe their experiences, and invest in their safety and healing, we move closer to a world where everyone can live free from fear.
At The Second Step, we remain committed to supporting survivors every step of the way. No one should feel alone in their healing, and no one should live in fear. During this Stalking Awareness Month and beyond, let us continue to raise our voices, educate our communities, and stand with survivors in both recognition and action.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or domestic violence, help is available. You are not alone, and support can make a difference.
We see you. We believe you. We are here for you.
Call: 617-965-2538
Email: info@thesecondstep.org
For more information: thesecondstep.org