SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.

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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.

Learn how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is observing Stalking Awareness Month and visit our Staking Awareness Month community engagement toolkit for content and graphics to share on social media.

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