Every January, the United States observes National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM)—a time to shed light on a crime that often thrives in silence. Stalking is not just uncomfortable attention or unwanted persistence; it is a dangerous pattern of behavior that can escalate quickly and leave lasting emotional, psychological, and physical scars.
Despite its prevalence, stalking frequently goes unrecognized. Many victims struggle to name what they are experiencing—or to know where to turn for help. NSAM exists to change that by raising awareness, empowering survivors, and reminding communities that vigilance can save lives.
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What Is stalking?
Stalking is a willful, malicious, and repeated pattern of following or harassment that causes a person to fear for their safety, or the safety of someone they love. It can happen face-to-face, online, or through a mix of both, and it often intensifies over time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men in the United States will experience stalking in their lifetime. In many cases, the stalker is not a stranger but an intimate partner, former partner, or acquaintance, making the experience even more confusing and frightening.
What are the signs
Stalking doesn’t always look the same. It can be overt or insidious, romanticized or threatening. Common warning signs include:
- Unwanted contact: Repeated calls, texts, emails, or messages—even after being told to stop.
- Surveillance: Following someone, showing up uninvited at home or work, or using GPS, apps, or social media to monitor movements.
- Threats or intimidation: Spreading rumors, damaging property, or making subtle threats meant to instill fear.
- Fixated attention: Excessive gifts, compliments, or forced attempts at a relationship that aren’t reciprocated.
- Identity or privacy invasion: Using personal information, passwords, or addresses to control or intimidate.
Many victims hesitate to speak out due to embarrassment, self-doubt, or fear of retaliation—but recognizing these behaviors early can make a critical difference.
Can it be prevented?
Not all stalking is preventable, but awareness is one of the strongest forms of protection. Teaching healthy boundaries, consent, and respect, especially from a young age, helps reduce harmful behaviors before they escalate.
Proactive steps can be taken, such as:
- Limiting personal information shared online, including location check-ins and daily routines.
- Staying aware of physical surroundings, especially in public or transitional spaces like parking lots, public transit, or workplaces.
- Noticing repeated or unwanted attention, such as someone frequently watching you, following you, or appearing in the same places without explanation.
- Adjusting privacy settings on social media accounts.
- Avoiding unfamiliar apps, links, or devices that could enable tracking.
- Trusting their instincts—if someone’s behavior feels intrusive or threatening, it’s important to take that feeling seriously.
Stalking is often witnessed before it is reported, and bystanders can play a critical role in prevention and support. If you notice someone repeatedly following, watching, or contacting another person in ways that seem unwanted or unsettling, trust your observations. Check in with the individual privately and express concern without judgment.
Offer to help document incidents, accompany them to report behavior, or connect them with local resources. In situations where there is an immediate threat or escalation, contacting authorities may be necessary. Even small actions, such as being present, validating someone’s experience, or speaking up when behavior crosses a line, can help disrupt stalking behaviors and remind victims they are not alone.
How to handle it
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, taking action early is essential:
- Document everything: Save messages, screenshots, voicemails, photos of damage, and write down dates and times.
- Report it: File a police report, even if the behavior seems “minor.” Patterns matter.
- Seek legal protection: Restraining orders or injunctions can help create legal boundaries.
- Reach out for support: Contact trusted organizations.
- Create a safety plan: Inform friends, family, and coworkers, and plan for emergencies.
Most importantly, survivors should remember this: stalking is never your fault. Help is available, and you are not alone.
Standing together
National Stalking Awareness Month is more than an observance—it’s a call to action. By learning the signs, believing survivors, and speaking openly about stalking, we can disrupt harmful behaviors and build safer communities.
If you or someone you know is in danger, don’t wait. Speak up. Seek help. Stand together.