State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) speaks on her Stalking Awareness Month resolution on the House Floor in the Michigan Capitol Building on Jan. 28, 2025, in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 29, 2025 — State Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) introduced a resolution yesterday to recognize the month of January as National Stalking Awareness Month in Michigan. House Resolution 12 emphasizes a need to increase public awareness about the nature, criminality and signs of stalking — a life-threatening crime that often slips under the radar.
“This resolution demonstrates our commitment to ensuring survivors of stalking and harassment feel safe, heard and protected by the legal system, their lawmakers and their loved ones,” Byrnes said. “Too often, signs of stalking go unrecognized. We must educate Michiganders on the evolving tactics stalkers are using and hold stalkers accountable for their behavior.”
The Michigan State Police’s Incident Crime Report recorded that 18,000 incidents of stalking or intimidation were reported to law enforcement in 2022. As advances in technology have made it easier for perpetrators to watch, contact and threaten victims, the resolution also calls on the state’s criminal justice system and lawmakers to enhance responses and policies to recognize and fight stalking.
“Michigan’s survivor advocates, law enforcement and community organizations currently provide crucial education and resources to combat stalking — but their services and responses must continually progress,” said Byrnes. “I look forward to continuing our work to ensure survivors of stalking are kept safe and offenders are held accountable.”
###