Governor Kathy Hochul recognized January as Stalking Awareness Month and January 18th as Stalking Awareness Day of Action in New York State. She issued a proclamation and directed that all state landmarks be illuminated in yellow on January 18 to honor those impacted by stalking and all forms of gender-based violence.

New Legislation to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors

Last month, Governor Hochul signed A09616/S09174 into law, offering additional protections for domestic violence victims. This new law allows for the termination of an abuser's access to vehicle tracking technology. Governor Hochul reiterated her commitment to supporting domestic violence survivors and enhancing public safety, emphasizing the need for laws that protect individuals from all forms of abuse. She cited her mother’s advocacy as an inspiration for her ongoing efforts to make New York a safer place for everyone.

Raising Awareness on Technology-Facilitated Stalking

In recognition of Stalking Awareness Month, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) launched a social media campaign focused on technology-facilitated and cyberstalking. This includes the use of tracking devices, location sharing, social media monitoring, and online harassment. The OPDV encouraged the public to follow their social media platforms for valuable resources and information on how to protect against these digital threats.

Legislative Action for Safer Communities

Governor Hochul's announcement also highlighted other recent legislative actions aimed at expanding protections for domestic violence victims. Last year, she signed legislation to extend the ability to obtain orders of protection and file family offense petitions to all family and household members. This was part of broader efforts to address the full scope of domestic violence, including the tragic murder of Melanie Chianese, which led to the creation of Melanie's Law.

A Commitment to Ending Gender-Based Violence

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the only Cabinet-level agency in the country dedicated to gender-based violence, continues to work on raising awareness and offering support to survivors. As Stalking Awareness Month continues, the state urges all New Yorkers to stand together in the fight against stalking and domestic violence.

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