Pennsylvania HR 240: A Resolution recognizing the month of January 2026 as "Stalking Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2290
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 240
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MARCELL, LABS, MAJOR, MIHALEK, TOMLINSON,
ARMANINI, STAATS AND GILLEN, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of January 2026 as "Stalking Awareness
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Stalking is a significant issue in the United States
that affects millions of people every year; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, approximately one in three women and one in six men
in the United States experience stalking at some point in their
lives; and
WHEREAS, The Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource
Center estimates that 13.5 million people are stalked every year
in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The majority of stalking victims in the United
States are threatened with physical harm; and
WHEREAS, With the rise of digital technology and the use of
social media platforms, cyberstalking has become increasingly
prevalent enabling stalkers to monitor, harass and intimidate
victims from a distance often anonymously and across various
online spaces; and
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WHEREAS, Stalking victims often experience heightened
anxiety, fear and a pervasive sense of dread; and
WHEREAS, The stress and trauma experienced by victims of
stalking can lead to depression, feelings of hopelessness,
sadness and withdrawal from social interactions; and
WHEREAS, January 2024 marked the 20th annual National
Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize
and counter the crime of stalking; and
WHEREAS, Public recognition can empower stalking victims by
validating their experiences and encouraging them to report
stalking behavior to law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, By recognizing January 2026 as "Stalking Awareness
Month," the General Assembly can inform and educate the public
about the crime of stalking, its prevalence in this
Commonwealth, its impact on victims and the various resources
and support systems available to assist and protect victims;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of January 2026 as "Stalking Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commit to raising
awareness and providing resources to support and protect victims
of stalking in this Commonwealth.
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