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Hochul issues proclamation declaring January as Stalking Awareness Month

Submitted

Fri, Jan 17th 2025 04:45 pm

Jan. 18 is Stalking Awareness Day of Action

√ State landmarks to be Illuminated in yellow Jan. 18 to honor victims & survivors

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

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

Last month, Hochul signed A09616/S09174 into action. The new law offers additional protections to domestic violence victims and survivors by providing for the termination of an abuser’s access to vehicle tracking technology.

“Back in the 1970s, conversations about domestic violence were rare. Inspired by my mother’s advocacy, I am dedicated to enacting laws that protect those impacted by abuse,” Hochul said. “From new laws that protect victims of domestic violence to shining a light on the dangers of technology-facilitated stalking, we are taking action to make New York a safer place for everyone. As we light up our landmarks in yellow tomorrow, let’s remember that each light represents a survivor’s strength, and together, we are moving closer to a future where violence has no place in our communities.”

In recognition of Stalking Awareness Month, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is holding a Stalking Awareness Month social media campaign across the agency’s social media platforms. This year’s focus is on technology facilitated and cyberstalking. This can include, but is not limited to, the use of tracking devices, location sharing, social media monitoring and harassment. Visit OPDV’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn pages for more information on stalking and where to find resources.

Today's announcement marks another important step in her broader public safety agenda, as last year Hochul signed legislation to expand protections for victims of domestic violence in both criminal and family courts. The law extends the ability to obtain orders of protection and file family offense petitions to all family and household members, recognizing that domestic violence does not just impact the person who is or was in an intimate relationship with an abuser.

This action, signed on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, strengthens efforts to keep all New Yorkers safe from domestic violence. Named Melanie’s Law in memory of Melanie Chianese, who was tragically killed by her mother’s ex-boyfriend, the law aims to protect those close to victims, as abusers often target loved ones to maintain control.

OPDV Executive Director Kelli Owens said, “Technology has brought with it many new ways for people who harm to exert power and control over their victims. It has taken many forms of gender-based violence, including stalking, into a virtual world that is changing rapidly and poses serious threats to the health and well-being of survivors everywhere. OPDV is committed to raising awareness and working with providers across the state to help best serve survivors in a survivor-centered, trauma-informed and culturally responsive way as they navigate these digital threats. Thank you, Gov. Hochul, for recognizing the importance of this month and for standing with New York survivors.”

Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “We know that stalking is a significant factor that increases the risk of homicide in domestic violence cases. DCJS is working hard to ensure that law enforcement and other stakeholders are aware of factors like stalking that are used in lethality risk assessments, which can help formulate responses to prevent these tragedies. It’s also critically important that we address how technology is often used to locate domestic violence victims and facilitate stalking. We thank Gov. Hochul, OPDV, and our law enforcement partners for recognizing and responding to these risks.”

Office of Victim Services Executive Director Bea Hanson said, “We are proud to partner with OPDV and other government and private stakeholders to raise awareness of stalking – a serious crime that deprives victims and survivors of their sense of security and wellbeing. Our staff at OVS works hard to ensure that victims of crime, including stalking, are supported and have the resources they need to regain their sense of safety and heal. We are thankful for Gov. Hochul’s leadership on this issue, and we encourage victims and survivors to reach out to OVS-funded providers to get the help they deserve and to take advantage of OPDV’s resources and tips to prevent abusers from exploiting technology in order to cause harm.”

OPDV is the country’s only cabinet-level executive 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).

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