Department of Family Services – Domestic and Sexual Violence Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

703-324-5730
TTY 711

12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building, Floor 7, Suite 740
Fairfax, VA 22035

Toni Zollicoffer,
Director

January is Stalking Awareness Month

Stalking Awareness Month

Stalking:

  • is repeated and unwanted contact that makes you feel afraid or harassed.
  • is serious, often violent, and can escalate over time.
  • is common. About 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men have experienced stalking in their lifetime. 
  • is pervasive. 81% of women who were stalked by a current or former husband or cohabitating partner were physically assaulted by that partner; 31% of women were sexually assaulted.
  • can impact a person's mental well-being. Research shows 83% of stalking victims experience significant levels of anxiety, 75% have trouble sleeping, and 48% lost their appetite. A quarter of stalking victims say they have attempted suicide or thought about suicide.
  • is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
  • is a crime that happens across all ages and genders, though people aged 18 to 24 have the highest rate of stalking victimization.
  • is a crime with financial repercussions. 1 in 8 stalking victims has reported losing work because of the stalking. More than half of these victims reported losing five or more workdays.
  • starts early. Nearly 54% of female victims and 41% of male victims experienced stalking before the age of 25. 

Stalking happens in many types of relationships:

  • A current or former romantic partner
  • A friend
  • A stranger
  • A family member
  • A community member
  • A boss or coworker

Stalking can look like:

  • calling, texting, social media messages, or leaving voicemails even after you’ve asked them to stop.
  • constantly checking in on you at home, work, or school.
  • vandalizing your car or other property.
  • controlling your phone, internet or social media.
  • showing up where you are, even when you haven’t shared your location with them.
  • asking friends, family or co-workers for information about you.

Prevention is possible. 

Everyone can work together to know, name, and stop stalking.

  • Help educate others to define and recognize stalking behaviors.
  • Engage men and boys as allies in prevention efforts.
  • Create and support safe environments within relationships, schools, and communities through programs and policies that promote healthy relationships.

Have questions or need help?

  • Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273
  • Domestic Violence Action Center 703-246-4573 
  • Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Main Office 703-324-5730 
  • If the threat is immediate, call 911.

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