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SR 8660

Recognizing the plight of victims of stalking.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 9 co-sponsors

Washington State Senate adopts SR 8660 recognizing the plight of stalking victims, raises awareness, supports those affected, and stands with them; no new laws or funding created.

Adopted.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8660

Summary: Senate Resolution 8660 (SR 8660) — Recognizing the Plight of Victims of Stalking

Overview

  • Type: Non-binding Senate Resolution
  • Bill Number: SR 8660
  • Title: Recognizing the plight of victims of stalking
  • Status: Adopted
  • Introduced: January 29, 2024
  • Adopted by Senate: January 2024 (certification indicates January 26, 2024)
  • Primary purpose: A formal, non-legislative acknowledgment by the Washington State Senate of the harms caused by stalking and of the need to support victims, elevate awareness, and stand with those affected.

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor National Stalking Awareness Month and affirm every person’s right to live in peace without fear of stalking, harassment, or violation.
  • To recognize stalking as a distinct, traumatic victimization that intersects with other forms of violence.
  • To express solidarity with stalking victims, including those who have survived, those who have died, and those who may come forward in the future.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal statements (WHEREAS clauses) highlight:
    • National Stalking Awareness Month is recognized by the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC), funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant.
    • The right of individuals to live peacefully free from stalking and harassment.
    • Stalking as a critical victimization contributing to broader violence, including sexual violence, physical violence, and homicide.
    • Public health framing of stalking, noting it affects millions (per CDC data) and has socio-emotional consequences.
    • The prevalence and severity of stalking's impact, including:
    • One in three women and one in six men experience stalking in their lifetimes (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey).
    • A high share of femicide cases involve prior stalking (per NCADV data).
    • A significant portion of stalking victims are compelled to relocate; many report stalking to police before severe outcomes occur.
    • The broader impact on families and communities beyond direct victims.
  • The resolution commits the Senate to stand with victims and to honor their courage in telling their stories, whether they remain alive to share them or not.
  • Certification language indicates the document is a true and correct copy of Senate Resolution 8660, adopted by the Senate.

Impact and who is Affected

  • Target audience: stalking victims and survivors, their families and friends, and the general public.
  • Effect: This is a symbolic, educational, and commemorative measure intended to raise awareness, validate victims’ experiences, and encourage continued attention to stalking as a public health and safety issue.
  • No new laws, penalties, or funding are created by this resolution; it does not modify existing statutes.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction: January 29, 2024.
  • Adoption: January 2024 (certified January 26, 2024; action date shown as January 29, 2024 in some records).
  • Effect: Serves as an official statement of the Washington State Senate recognizing the plight of stalking victims and reaffirming support.

Notes

  • The resolution repeatedly emphasizes a victim-centered, non-punitive stance and aligns with public health messaging and national statistics on stalking.
  • References to national data and organizations (e.g., CDC, NAWS, NCADV, DOJ-funded SPARC) are used to contextualize the issue.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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