WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to designate January as National Stalking Awareness Month. Senators Chuck Grassley (IA) and Amy Klobuchar (MN) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. In 2020, Congressman Fitzpatrick's bipartisan Combat Online Predators Act was signed into law, and Congressman Fitzpatrick played a key role in the successful reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act in the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus package.
"Stalking is a dangerous crime that is prevalent in communities across our nation, affecting an estimated one in every three women and one in every six men," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "Our bipartisan resolution reaffirms our commitment to combating stalking, and I am proud to lead this effort to raise awareness around this egregious crime."
“Stalking is a serious crime that imparts unimaginable physical and psychological distress on its victims. No one should have to fear for their safety or for the safety of their loved ones, but it’s estimated over 13 million people are stalked in the United States every year. On top of this, we know stalking is a significant risk factor for intimate partner homicide,” said Dingell. “We recognize National Stalking Awareness Month to educate the public about the dangers of stalking, reaffirm our commitment to survivors, and continue working to identify new ways to keep communities safe.”
“Far too many Americans have suffered physical and psychological trauma as a result of stalking. Often, these individuals are forced to significantly alter their daily lives to preserve their own safety. This month, we reflect on the pervasiveness of stalking and the serious hardships and dangers faced by victims. The work of advocates raising awareness, of law enforcement and courts taking preventive and punitive action and of service workers in providing help to victims are all worthy of our thanks,” said Grassley.
“As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the serious emotional and physical toll stalking can take on victims,” said Klobuchar. “This resolution will raise awareness about the dangers of stalking, underscore the need to protect victims, and highlight the resources available to help survivors get their lives back on track.”
Read the bill text here