Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan, bicameral resolution raises awareness of stalking

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Jan. 28 proposed a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to ensure more Americans pay attention to the crime of stalking.

“Congress must continue to raise awareness about the dangers of stalking,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “Too many Americans have become victims of stalking, and the crimes that come after.”

Rep. Fitzpatrick sponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 187 with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of stalking by expressing support for the designation of January as National Stalking Awareness Month.

H.Res. 187 is identical to the same-named Senate Resolution 480, introduced on Jan. 21 by U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

“This bipartisan and commonsense resolution, along with the Senate companion, will raise work to raise awareness regarding the serious dangers of stalking, emphasize the protection of victims, and help victims recover and heal,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

The resolution, which complements efforts by the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center to bring attention to Stalking Awareness Month, would state that roughly one in six female Americans has experienced stalking victimization, according to the text of the resolution.

Additionally, the resolution would state that during a one-year period, an estimated 7.5 million individuals in the United States reported that they had been victims of stalking, and that more than 80 percent of stalking victims reported that they had been stalked by someone they knew, according to the text.

For these and other reasons, the resolution expresses support for the designation of National Stalking Awareness Month; commends efforts by service providers and others to promote awareness of stalking; encourages policymakers, criminal justice officials, service agencies, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits to increase awareness of stalking and continue to support the availability of services for victims of stalking; and urges national and community organizations, private-sector businesses and the media to promote awareness of the crime of stalking through National Stalking Awareness Month.