Hochul issues proclamation declaring January as Stalking Awareness Month

Jan. 18 is Stalking Awareness Day of Action

Gov. Kathy Hochul today recognized January as Stalking Awareness Month, and Jan. 18 as Stalking Awareness Day of Action in New York state. She issued a proclamation and directed all state landmarks be illuminated in yellow tonight in honor of those impacted by stalking and all gender-based violence.

“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 said. “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.”

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, “There is a large intersection between those impacted by domestic and gender-based violence and victims of stalking, especially through technology-facilitated stalking. 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.”

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “My agency is proud to ensure that law enforcement professionals have the training and information they need to identify and assist victims and survivors of stalking, to hold individuals who commit these crimes accountable, and to support programs that reduce recidivism, which improves public safety for all New Yorkers.”

New York State Office of Victim Services Acting Director John Watson said, “People who have been victims of stalking need and deserve support. 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.”

Landmarks to be lit include:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Trail Hall
• The Walkway Over the Hudson State Park and Friends of the Walkway Over the Hudson

Hochul’s team said, “The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is committed to protecting New York state college campuses through the Enough is Enough Law. Since 2021, Enough is Enough campuses have seen a 145% increase in stalking reports from students. OPDV will respond to this increase by dedicating a portion of the 2024 Enough is Enough convening to stalking awareness and how campuses can help address this issue. The Enough is Enough convening is an annual meeting of all the Enough is Enough grant providers to discuss their individual programs and learn how to make their programs and services more survivor-centered, trauma-informed and culturally responsive.

“In recognition of Stalking Awareness Month, OPDV is holding a Stalking Awareness Month social media awareness campaign across the agency’s social media platforms. Visit OPDV’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn pages for more information on stalking and where to find resources.

“Earlier this month, OPDV released the Technology Safety for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Guide, which provides information on how those impacted by gender-based violence can protect themselves from technology-facilitated abuse. This safety guide can be used by victims and survivors of stalking.

OPDV is the country's only executive-level state agency dedicated to the issue of gender-based violence. The state's domestic and sexual violence hotline is available 24/7 at 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @opdv.ny.gov (chat).