HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-4659

HR 4659

ByRepresentatives Kretz, Davis, and Maycumber

WHEREAS, January 18th has been specified as a National Day of Action for Stalking Awareness and January has been recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month by the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center, established by a grant funded by the United States Department of Justice; and

WHEREAS, This body reaffirms the inherent right of every human being to live in peace without the fear of being stalked, harassed, and violated; and

WHEREAS, We recognize stalking as a deeply traumatic victimization in its own right and often intersects with sexual violence, physical violence, and even homicide; and

WHEREAS, According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, one in three women and one in six men have been stalked at some point in their lives; and

WHEREAS, According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 76 percent of women murdered by an intimate partner were stalked first, while 85 percent of women who survived murder attempts were stalked; and

WHEREAS, 54 percent of femicide victims reported stalking to the police before they were killed by their stalkers and one in seven stalking victims has been forced to move because of their victimization; and

WHEREAS, According to the United States Department of Justice report "Socio-emotional Impact of Violent Crime," victims often face nonphysical challenges, such as the possibility of trauma and posttraumatic stress or socio-emotional problems, affecting their ability to trust or function day to day; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stalking is a public health problem that affects millions of people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, The impact of all crime often affects more than just the direct victims, devastating thousands of these victims' families and friends across Washington as well; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State House of Representatives recognize the importance of honoring victims regardless of the manner, size, or type of crime committed against them because of the adversity they face and the resilience they exemplify;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the plight of those affected and victimized by the crime of stalking and further resolve to stand with the victims who have been brave enough to tell their stories, those who are no longer alive to do so, and those who might gain the courage to do so in the future.