Freedom Focus: January is Stalking and Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January 18, 2026: A Day of Action for Stalking Awareness
Atlanta, GEORGIA - January 5, 2026-- By Dr. J, PhD LPC, Mission Acts International Co-Founder and CEO
As we approach January 18, 2026, we stand on the threshold of the third National Day of Action for Stalking Awareness. This significant day not only commemorates the tragic murder of Peggy Klinke at the hands of her stalker in 2003 but also serves as a crucial reminder of the persistent issue of stalking in our society. On this day, we invite you to join Mission Acts International (MAI) in supporting the nationwide effort to elevate the conversation surrounding stalking, amplify survivor voices, and promote meaningful action.
Stalking is often trivialized and misrepresented within public discourse. The casual use of the term in everyday conversation and its romanticized portrayal in media create an environment where victims are dismissed and their experiences minimized. This societal stigma contributes to a dangerous misunderstanding of stalking as merely an annoyance rather than a serious crime that can escalate into violence. The grim reality is that stalking frequently co-occurs with physical violence and sexual assault; it is often a precursor to even more severe forms of harm, including homicide.
Peggy's story epitomizes this alarming trend. Her vibrant personality once lit up every room she entered, yet as she endured relentless stalking, that sparkle dimmed. Her sister, Debbie Riddle, an anti-stalking activist and co-founder of National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM), recalls how Peggy’s desperate pleas for help were met with indifference from officials. Sadly, this narrative resonates with many who have faced similar challenges—92% of stalking victims report psychological impacts from their victimization, and 25% suffer physical ailments due to the stress associated with their circumstances.
Understanding stalking is a collective responsibility. It takes advocacy, legal professionals, healthcare providers, friends, family members, and community allies to foster an environment where victims feel safe to speak out. How we respond when someone confides in us about their experience can influence whether they seek further help or feel compelled to remain silent. Therefore, it is imperative that we educate ourselves about the realities of stalking and offer our support without judgment.
In honor of Peggy Klinke and countless others impacted by stalking, we encourage everyone to participate on January 18th by sharing a sparkly photo across social media with the hashtag #SparkleAgainstStalking. This simple yet profound gesture will help us reignite awareness and encourage conversation around a topic that desperately needs attention. Let’s bring back the sparkle not only for Peggy but for all victims and survivors who deserve to be heard and taken seriously.
Throughout National Stalking Awareness Month in January, Mission Acts International will provide valuable resources and information aimed at empowering individuals to recognize stalking behaviors and respond appropriately. We invite you to explore more at StalkingAwareness.org to learn about prevention strategies, support services, and ways you can contribute to this important movement.
Together, let’s shed light on the critical issue of stalking. Together, we can create a society where individuals feel empowered to seek help, where survivors’ stories are validated, and where we collectively advocate for change against this pervasive form of victimization. Join us this January 18th as we take action—because every voice matters in this fight against stalking.
