When Stalking Is Dismissed, Lives Are at Risk
January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a crime that is often misunderstood, minimized, or dismissed until it escalates into serious harm.
The month is rooted in the legacy of Peggy Klinke, a 32-year-old woman who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend on January 18, 2003, after years of documented stalking. Peggy sought help, obtained a protective order, and did everything the system asked of her. Still, she was told repeatedly that nothing could be done until violence occurred.
Her story is why January 18 is now recognized nationally as the Day of Action, and why early intervention matters.
What Stalking Really Is
Stalking is not a single incident. It is a pattern of repeated actions that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or experience significant emotional distress.
“Stalking is action—repeated actions,” explains Suki Wasserman, a member of Younity’s Response Team. “It only takes two or more incidents, and it can be carried out through any form of communication. Digital stalking, in particular, has become a huge concern.”
Stalking may involve following someone, showing up repeatedly at their home or workplace, or using technology to monitor or intimidate them. Cameras placed inside a home, tracking through shared accounts, or monitoring a person’s movements through their car or phone are realities Younity advocates see firsthand.
“It’s often harder than people realize to disable that kind of surveillance,” Suki notes. “Car tracking is especially complicated. Even with a restraining order, survivors may run into barriers when a vehicle or account is jointly owned.”
Most Stalking Is Committed by Someone the Victim Knows
One of the most persistent myths about stalking is that it is usually committed by a stranger. In reality, stalking most often comes from someone known to the victim.
In 2025, Younity served 598 people who reported experiencing stalking, according to data compiled by Younity’s Prevention & Education team. While stalking was the primary reason for service for 32 individuals, the majority experienced stalking as part of domestic violence—meaning the person harming them was someone they knew.
National data reflects this pattern:
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience stalking in their lifetime
- Nearly three out of four people are stalked by someone they know
- Stalking is one of the strongest predictors of future violence and homicide
Why Stalking Is So Hard to Report
Stalking is difficult to explain because each individual action may seem minor on its own. Survivors are often told to block the person, ignore the behavior, or wait until it becomes more serious.
But waiting is dangerous.
“That’s why documentation matters,” says Suki. “When we respond to a stalking call, we provide an incident log so survivors can track what’s happening over time. Patterns are what judges need to see, and they’re what tell the real story.”
Younity advocates also provide personalized safety planning, which may include changing routines, securing digital accounts, alerting workplaces or schools, and identifying safe people to call if the stalker appears.
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Suki explains. “Some people feel safer cutting off all access. Others feel safer knowing where the person is. Our role is to listen and help survivors make choices that work for their safety.”
Stalking Is Not Romantic. It Is Dangerous.
Movies and popular culture often portray stalking as persistence or devotion. In real life, it is about control, fear, and harm.
Nearly 72% of people experiencing stalking report threats of physical harm, and many are forced to relocate, change jobs, or alter every part of their daily life to stay safe.
Peggy Klinke’s story reminds us what happens when warning signs are ignored.
Stalking escalates.
Early intervention saves lives.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, support is available before a situation reaches a crisis point.
