January would be designated as National Stalking Awareness Month under a bipartisan, bicameral resolution introduced on Jan. 27 by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
“This resolution reaffirms our responsibility to take stalking seriously and to ensure those on the front lines have the support and authority to act early, not after violence occurs,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said.
The congressman sponsored House Resolution 1021 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to elevate the national focus on stalking as a life-threatening crime and a well-documented precursor to violent behavior.
“As a former law enforcement officer, I know that stalking is rarely an isolated incident — it is often the first clear signal that someone is in danger,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Working directly with constituents, law enforcement, and victim advocates in my community, I’ve seen how early, coordinated intervention can stop violence before it escalates and spare victims further harm.”
Stalking affects nearly one in three women in the United States and more than 13 million people each year, according to the text of the resolution, which underscores the need to strengthen protections for victims, support early intervention, equip law enforcement with tools and support to respond, and ensure offenders are held accountable before violence escalates.
“Stalking is a crime that robs victims of their sense of safety and too often leads to deadly consequences,” said Dingell. “We must continue raising awareness and taking action to prevent stalking before it escalates into tragedy.”
The companion resolution, Senate Resolution 46, which is being led by U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), passed the U.S. Senate on Jan. 29 by unanimous consent.