Stalking Awareness Month took center stage at the Portsmouth City Council meeting on January 6, 2025, as Councilor Kate Cook shared a deeply personal proclamation highlighting the urgent need for community awareness and support for victims. Cook, who has experienced stalking firsthand, emphasized the alarming statistics: one in three women and one in six men will face stalking in their lifetimes.

The proclamation, which officially declares January 2025 as Stalking Awareness Month in Portsmouth, underscores the pervasive nature of stalking across all demographics. Cook noted the long-lasting negative impacts on victims, including the need for restraining orders, job changes, and even relocation to ensure safety.

In a call to action, the proclamation urges citizens to unite against stalking and support survivors. It also highlights the role of local organizations, such as Haven, which has been providing essential support services since its merger in 2015. The city reminds residents that confidential help is available 24/7 through the Haven violence prevention hotline.

The meeting concluded with a symbolic gesture, as the bridge in Portsmouth was lit yellow to honor the cause, reinforcing the city’s commitment to standing with victims and advocating for justice.