National Stalking Awareness Month

January is National Stalking Awareness Month. This year’s theme is "Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It." underscores the continued need to address the myths and mischaracterizations that surround stalking. Contrary to some portrayals, stalking is not harmless, funny, or romantic. It is a serious crime that causes psychological and emotional trauma for its victims, creates major disruptions in lifestyle, and can even lead to violence. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics found that some 3.4 million people were victims of stalking in a 12-month period. The range of stalking behaviors is wide—from unwanted phone calls and unsolicited e-mails to unexpected appearances—and the means of stalking is growing as technology makes it easier for stalkers to harass their victims.

Learn about the research that our National Institute of Justice has supported in the area of stalking. Also, visit the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women Web site to find out about other federal resources to prevent stalking and serve stalking victims.