Raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2025 as "National Stalking Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 99
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-17T15:17:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 99) aims to raise public awareness about the crime of stalking and promote its prevention by officially designating January 2025 as "National Stalking Awareness Month." It highlights the prevalence, impacts, and responses to stalking based on statistical data and calls for collective action to support victims.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of factual "Whereas" clauses outlining the scope of stalking, followed by four main directives in the "Resolved" section:
- Designation: Formally recognizes January 2025 as "National Stalking Awareness Month," marking the 21st anniversary of the first such observance.
- Recognition of Efforts: Applauds the work of service providers, police departments, prosecutors' offices, national and community organizations, colleges, universities, and private sector entities in combating stalking, supporting victims, and raising awareness, including responses to online stalking.
- Encouragement for Action: Urges policymakers, criminal justice officials (like police and prosecutors), victim service agencies, human service groups, higher education institutions, and nonprofits to boost awareness of stalking and expand access to tailored victim services.
- Promotion of Awareness: Calls on national and community organizations, private businesses, and media outlets to actively promote education about stalking during the designated month.
The "Whereas" clauses provide context, noting:
- Stalking affects about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the U.S. over their lifetimes, with over 13.4 million annual reports.
- Most stalkers are known to victims (e.g., intimate partners or acquaintances), and it often involves threats of harm, leading to risks like intimate partner homicide.
- Victims face long-term effects, including fear, mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression), and drastic life changes (e.g., moving or changing jobs); many do not report it.
- Stalking is illegal under federal law, all state laws, D.C., U.S. territories, and military law.
- It impacts all demographics, with higher rates among young adults (18-24), college students (especially those with disabilities or in intimate partner situations), and often involves technology (e.g., texts, social media, tracking).
- There is a need for better criminal justice responses, more victim services, and campus-specific protections.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It reaffirms that stalking is already a crime under federal, state, and military statutes but does not amend or enact new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public education about stalking's dangers and resources, potentially encouraging more victims to report incidents and seek help, reducing isolation and fear. It may lead to greater societal understanding, especially for vulnerable groups like young adults, college students, and those experiencing technology-facilitated stalking.
- On Government Agencies: Prompts federal, state, and local entities (e.g., police, prosecutors) to enhance investigations, prosecutions, and victim support programs, though without mandating funding or actions.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution is domestic-focused.
- Overall, it fosters a cultural shift toward prevention and support but relies on voluntary participation for real-world effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims and Survivors: Primary beneficiaries, gaining visibility and access to awareness campaigns and services.
- Criminal Justice System: Police, prosecutors, and courts, encouraged to improve responses to stalking cases.
- Victim Service Providers: National and local organizations, shelters, hotlines, and nonprofits, recognized for their role and urged to expand programs.
- Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities, particularly those addressing campus stalking among students, including those with disabilities.
- Private Sector and Media: Businesses and media outlets, called to promote awareness through campaigns.
- Policymakers and Legislators: House members and officials, motivated to support related initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces stalking's status as a crime without creating new enforceable rules; it may indirectly support enforcement by highlighting gaps in reporting and prosecution.
- Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections for awareness and education efforts; no conflicts with rights, as it is purely symbolic and promotional.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Dingell) for victim rights and public health issues, potentially influencing future funding for anti-stalking programs or related legislation. As a resolution, it carries moral weight in Congress but lacks the force of law, serving as a platform for advocacy rather than policy change.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-02-04: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2025 as "National Stalking Awareness Month". — issued 2025-02-04 — PDF (4 pages)