Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that 16 New York State landmarks will be illuminated on January 18 to mark Stalking Awareness Day of Action, as part of a broader recognition of January as Stalking Awareness Month. The move aims to honor those affected by stalking and gender-based violence.
In a statement, Governor Hochul said, “Protecting New Yorkers from domestic violence and all forms of gender-based violence is personal to me. That is why I am committed to protecting New Yorkers from harm, and ensuring New York is a safe place for all. As we illuminate State landmarks, New York is raising awareness of the serious crime of stalking, reaffirming our support of all those who have been impacted by stalking, and working to ensure violence and intimidation have no place in New York communities.”
The state’s focus this year includes technology-facilitated stalking. According to recent data, 80 percent of stalking victims report being stalked using technology, while 43 percent of federal cyberstalking cases involve social media platforms for tracking individuals.
The following sites are among the landmarks being illuminated: One World Trade Center, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, Empire State Plaza, Niagara Falls, Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, Moynihan Train Hall and Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.
To raise public awareness about digital safety during Stalking Awareness Month, the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) has launched a social media campaign providing information on digital risks and guidance on blocking location sharing in various applications. Additional resources can be found on OPDV’s Facebook,X (formerly Twitter),Instagram,and LinkedIn pages.
As part of its outreach efforts, OPDV released a new video in its VOICES: Survivor Stories series featuring Cassandra Wilusz from Schuylerville. The video details her experience being stalked over several years through various means including email harassment and use of fake social media accounts.
Kelli Owens, Executive Director at OPDV stated: “We know stalking poses real dangers to victims and survivors and their loved ones. Sadly, with the rapidly changing digital landscape, those who cause harm are finding new ways to intimidate and threaten their victims. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for always working to raise awareness around gender-based violence, including stalking, and your efforts to protect New Yorkers. Everyone deserves to feel safe, be it online, at home or wherever they may go.”
Bea Hanson from the Office of Victim Services added: “People often minimize stalking but this behavior instills fear and can escalate and lead to serious physical harm. I want anyone who is being stalked to know that OVS takes this crime seriously. We fund victim assistance programs across the state that provide services free of charge. I thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to our programs supporting survivors of stalking crime and abuse.”
Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden from the Office of Children and Family Services commented: “Stalking is an often hidden form of domestic violence — a deliberate pattern of harassment and control that puts the safety stability and mental well-being of victims at risk. Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership New York State is continuing to strengthen support for survivors through prevention intervention and access to resources.”
Rossana Rosado from the Division of Criminal Justice Services noted: “As technology evolves so do the tactics used to stalk and intimidate. At DCJS we work to keep New Yorkers safe by training law enforcement to recognize and investigate technology-facilitated stalking strengthening collaboration with our state and local partners ensuring agencies have tools knowledge they need intervene early protect victims.”
During Governor Hochul’s administration measures were introduced such as terminating abusers’ access to vehicle tracking technologies allowing family members greater ability under Melanie’s Law—named after Melanie Chianese—to obtain orders protecting themselves when abusers target loved ones.
The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence remains unique nationally as a Cabinet-level agency focused solely on gender-based violence issues in government leadership roles statewide.
Support services are available around-the-clock via hotline (800-942-6906), text (844-997-2121), or chat (@opdv.ny.gov). More than 200 community programs funded by the Office Of Victim Services offer confidential help including counseling legal aid advocacy therapy for those affected by crime throughout New York.
