Raising awareness and encouraging the prevention of stalking by designating January 2026 as National Stalking Awareness Month.
Summary
This House Resolution designates January 2026 as "National Stalking Awareness Month." It aims to raise awareness about stalking, a crime affecting millions, and encourages prevention efforts. The resolution acknowledges the prevalence and impact of stalking, highlighting the need for improved responses and support for victims.
Expected Effects
The resolution's designation of National Stalking Awareness Month will likely lead to increased public awareness campaigns. It may also encourage more victims to report stalking and seek help. Furthermore, it could prompt policymakers and organizations to enhance stalking prevention and victim support programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of stalking as a serious crime.
- Encouragement for victims to seek help and report incidents.
- Potential for improved stalking prevention programs and victim services.
- Promotion of collaboration among organizations, law enforcement, and communities.
- Education for the public about the different forms of stalking, including technology-facilitated stalking.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution itself does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions, so its impact depends on voluntary efforts.
- Increased awareness may lead to a temporary surge in reported cases, potentially overwhelming existing resources.
- The resolution's effectiveness relies on sustained commitment beyond the designated month.
- There may be challenges in reaching all segments of the population with awareness campaigns.
- Some may view the resolution as merely symbolic if not accompanied by concrete policy changes.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of ensuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. While the Constitution does not explicitly address stalking, the resolution's focus on public safety and victim support falls within the government's responsibility to protect its citizens. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but federal laws against stalking and the resolution's awareness campaign do not infringe on states' rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).