Stalking impacts 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in the United States, and with January being National Stalking Awareness Month, DASH would like to raise awareness of this epidemic by highlighting the story of one of our stalking survivors, “Barbara.” 

Barbara is a single mother to one child who was involved in a domestic violence situation for several years with her child’s father. The last incident of physical violence occurred just a few days prior to Barbara getting in contact with DASH. She reached out to the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center and was placed in a safe house, eventually being housed through the Rapid Re-Housing Application, but her abuser managed to find her.  

Barbara requested a unit transfer through her Rapid Re-Housing case worker, and it was granted, however she could not move into the new unit for 2 weeks. She was fearful of remaining in the home because her abuser might come back. Thankfully, DASH was able to utilize our Safe Nights Fund Program to keep Barbara and her child safe until she could relocate. She was placed that day and has since moved into her new unit.  

Every year, 1 in 7 stalking survivors are forced to relocate because of harassment and in fear for their safety. Through its programs, DASH works around the clock to connect survivors to safety away from domestic violence.  

To learn more, visit the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC) which offers a variety of information related to stalking, including information on stalking, safety planning, and other resources. 

Techsafety.org offers a Toolkit for Survivors from the National Network to End Domestic Violence which contains safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors when using technology. 

Or you can contact DASH by calling our intake line at: 202-290-2356.