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 5 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced stalking in their lifetime.  
• is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
• happens across all ages and genders, though people aged 18 to 24 experience stalking more often than all other age groups.
• can impact a person's mental health and well-being.

A person who stalks someone could be...

• A current or former dating partner like a boyfriend or girlfriend
• A husband or wife
• A friend
• A stranger
• A family 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
• breaking or destroying things that belong to you
• showing up where you are, even when you haven’t shared your location with them
• asking friends, family, children, or co-workers for information about you
• tracking your location using your phone or another tracking device or tracking your social media

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

• Help educate others to see and recognize stalking behaviors.
• Create and support safe environments in relationships, families, schools, and communities by talking about healthy relationships.
• Share information about the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour Hotline (703-360-7273) for people who are being stalked or are worried about someone else.

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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