January is Stalking Awareness Month
Know it. Name it. Stop it.
By Katie Fayad for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS)
When asked to define and condemn domestic or sexual violence, many of us feel confident in our understanding. Yet, stalking—a serious and harmful behavior—can be harder to identify. As a result, it is often overlooked or, worse, conflated with romantic gestures.
January is Stalking Awareness Month, a time to shed light on what stalking truly is, its profound impact on victims, and what we can do to stop it.
What Is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific individual that would cause any reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others. It is alarmingly common: according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, in Montana, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men will experience stalking in their lifetimes.
Stalking tactics often seem harmless when viewed out of context. For instance, a bouquet of roses on someone’s doorstep might appear romantic—unless it comes from someone who should not know where the recipient lives. Similarly, texting throughout the day is a normal part of many relationships, but when those texts come relentlessly from an unwanted sender, it becomes terrifying. For many victims, stalking disrupts their lives so profoundly that they feel forced to quit their jobs or relocate.
“Stalking is as unacceptable as domestic and sexual violence,” explains Libby Johnson, Co-Director at Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS). “Stalking behaviors can appear innocuous on the surface, making them harder for victims to recognize or for friends and family to take seriously.”
Why Don’t We Take Stalking Seriously?
Our culture plays a significant role in shaping what we consider acceptable behavior, and stalking has long been romanticized in pop culture. Movies like, There’s Something About Mary, The Boy Next Door, and Twilight, portray relentless pursuit as a noble, even superior expression of love. More recently, shows Like Pretty Little Liars, You, and songs like Stalker by Badflower, continue to normalize these behaviors.
Even our everyday language trivializes stalking. Phrases like “I stalked your Instagram” turn the term into a joke, diluting its serious meaning and masking the danger stalking poses.
The Connection Between Stalking and Domestic Violence
Most stalkers (80%) are known to their victims, and many stalking victims are also survivors of domestic violence. Stalking is often used by abusers as a tool to instill fear and maintain control. At DSVS, we work with survivors who are being stalked by current or former partners.
When DSVS first began its work, domestic and sexual violence were frequently dismissed or ignored by the community. Over time, education and advocacy have changed this. While these issues persist, they are now more widely recognized and addressed. It is time to extend this same awareness and support to stalking victims.
How You Can Help
Small actions can make a big difference in how we address stalking in our community:
Believe and support victims. If someone confides in you about being stalked, listen without judgment. Take their concerns seriously, encourage them to document incidents, and connect them with resources like DSVS for help.
Educate yourself. The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC) offers valuable information at stalkingawareness.org.
Reconsider cultural norms. Examine how media and societal influences have shaped your understanding of romance versus harmful behavior. Update your perspective to reflect the reality of stalking.
Protect others. Never share information about someone’s location, contact details, or routine with another without their permission.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, domestic violence, or sexual violence, in Carbon or Stillwater counties, DSVS is there to help. Our 24-hour Helpline is always available, confidential, and free at (406) 425-2222. You are not alone.
Stalking is a crime—not a romantic gesture, not a joke, and not something to trivialize. This January let’s commit to recognizing stalking for the harm it causes and work together to create a community where survivors are supported, and perpetrators are held accountable.
Additional Resources
Victim Connect
1-855-4-Victim (1-855-484-2846)
Confidential referrals for victims of crime, including stalking, through the National Center for Victims of Crime.
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative Helpline
1-844-878-CCRI (1-844-878-2274)
For victims of nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (also known as “revenge porn”), recorded sexual assault, or sextortion.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
Call to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
Call to talk with a highly-trained, expert advocate offering free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline
1-855-812-1001 (video phone)
The Deaf Hotline has advocates available 24/7 for crisis intervention, education, information and referrals for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled callers.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
1-844-7-NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a safe domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Anonymous and confidential.
The Network/La Red LGBTQ Hotline
1-800-832-1901
The Network/La Red’s 24-hour hotline provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and/or transgender (LGBQ/T) folks.
Love is Respect
1-866-331-9474
Confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse.
WomensLaw.org
E-mail hotline with plain language legal information for victims of abuse.
NIWAP Directory of Programs Serving Immigrant Victims
A directory of service providers with experience working with immigrant victims of stalking, domestic violence, sexual assault, U-visa crimes, and human trafficking, by state.