Hochul Declares January Stalking Awareness Month

A shot of a rest stop along Route 60 in Cassadaga, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently recognized the month of January as Stalking Awareness Month, also celebrating the recently released Technology Safety for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Guide, a safety guide designed by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) for use by victims and survivors of stalking. 

“I grew up in a home that directly supported survivors of domestic violence, and that commitment remains personal for me and key to ensuring the health and safety of New York families,” Hochul stated. “Modern experts point to the connections between stalking, AI and technology-based harassment, and domestic and intimate-partner violence, and I am dedicated to expanding education on these abusive, escalating behaviors, and enforcing consequences against abusers.”

The New York State OPDV is also holding a Stalking Awareness Month Social Media Awareness Campaign in recognition of Stalking Awareness Month via the agency’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn social media platforms.

“There is a large intersection between those impacted by domestic and gender-based violence and victims of stalking, especially through technology-facilitated stalking,” remarked New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens. “It is important that we recognize how common stalking is and take the proper steps to combat this abuse, including a strong focus on college campuses. OPDV is proud to have published the Technology Safety for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Guide to assist victims of stalking and all gender-based violence. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for recognizing the importance of this month and for standing with New York survivors.”

The New York State OPDV is the only executive level state agency in the country exclusively dedicated to addressing gender-based violence. Their Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour hotline is available at 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text), or online at opdv.ny.gov.

“People who have been victims of stalking need and deserve support,” New York State Office of Victim Services Acting Director John Watson commented. “The Office of Victim Services is proud to provide resources and assistance to victims and survivors of all crimes, including stalking, as well as support to their providers. That includes compensation benefits to reimburse victims and survivors for costs incurred as a result of crime and OVS’ funding of local resources at over 200 victim assistance programs across the state. We thank Governor Hochul and our state agency partners for their efforts and action to raise awareness about stalking, while increasing support for victims and survivors.”