Stand Against Stalking. Take Action Jan 18
Stalking is a persistent and insidious crime that disrupts lives, instills fear, and compromises safety. January 18th is National Day of Action for Stalking Awareness, so let’s shine a light on this issue, validate survivor experiences, and take meaningful steps to stop stalking.
Every year up to 13.5 million people experience stalking in the United States. Victims experience relentless behaviors like persistent unwanted calls, being followed, and threats of violence. These actions often escalate, leaving individuals feeling powerless and unsafe. But change begins with awareness and action.
HERO®’s Mission: Safety and Empowerment
At HERO®, we’re passionate about helping people reclaim their confidence and sense of security. Our mission is straightforward yet impactful—HERO® promotes personal safety, saves lives, and grows confidence by providing access to superb, less-lethal protection products.
On this National Day of Action we hope you’ll join us in learning to recognize stalking and how to handle it when it happens.
How You Can Take Action
Joining the fight against stalking doesn’t require grand gestures; even small steps can create meaningful change. Here’s how you can contribute:
Educate Yourself
Check out our Street Smart article on stalking to understand risks, recognize patterns, learn safety tips, and get help before the issue escalates. Review and share resources from the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC) to spread awareness.
Support Survivors
If someone confides in you about being stalked, listen and believe them. Many victims experience others downplaying their experience. Your support can encourage them to take steps toward safety. Offering guidance or connecting them to resources can be incredibly empowering.
Recognize and Respond to Red Flags
Whether in a social environment, workplace, or anywhere else you can support others by bringing up repetitive, concerning behaviors. Report any problematic patterns and encourage others to take them seriously.
Promote Empowerment Tools
Share HERO®’s mission and products with those in your network who may need an effective, non-lethal solution to protect themselves. Access to tools like HERO® 2020 or AIIRO® can change the outcome of a dangerous situation.
Engage in Community Action
Participate in local or virtual events. These can include attending workshops, sharing social media content, or volunteering for campaigns that spread awareness. This January 18th support the Day of Action for stalking awareness by wearing sparkly or shiny clothing and sharing a photo with hashtags #DayOfAction and #StalkingAwareness.
Stalking Awareness Resources
If you are in immediate danger or fear imminent harm, always call 911!
If you or someone you know is being stalked, your local domestic abuse or sexual assault service providers are frequently able to offer resources and advice. For additional assistance, or if you do not know or have a local provider, consider contacting:
- VictimConnect: Helpline to learn about rights and options
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Hotline for crisis intervention, safety planning, education, advocacy, and referrals for survivors; can also provide support for friends, family members, and others concerned about loved ones experiencing situations of abuse.
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: Hotline providing confidential support, assist locating local resources, information about local laws, and basic information about medical concerns
Visit the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC) website for more information, resources, and educational materials specific to stalking.
Building Safe and Confident Communities
The National Day of Action Against Stalking is a reminder that every effort counts when it comes to breaking the cycle of violence and fear. By equipping ourselves with knowledge, supporting one another, and using protection devices, we create communities where stalking has no place.
The HERO® Difference
At HERO®, we believe in empowering ordinary individuals with extraordinary non-lethal tools that reduce risk and provide control over dangerous situations. Our award-winning products offer ease of use, concealability, and power that can be learned in just minutes.
Key Benefits
- Effortless Operation: Engineered to be easy to use, even under high-stress situations.
- Non-Lethal Safety: Delivers effective protection without the potential for lethal harm, offering peace of mind.
- Compact Design: Lightweight and portable, ideal for carrying on commutes, during outdoor activities, or daily errands.
- Range Advantage: Maintains a safe distance between the user and the threat while still neutralizing the attacker effectively.
- Training Included: Practice safely with inert training cartridges so you’re prepared for the real situation.
HERO® 2020
Our flagship self-defense product, built with cutting-edge patented technology. This compact multi-format tool enables safe, effective responses to threats from a distance. Equipped with automatic laser-sight for accuracy, automatic blinding stun light, and multiple options of non-lethal payloads, HERO® 2020 stops the aggressor and gives you time to escape and seek help.
AIIRO®
Meet the newest shape in non-lethal defense! Blast debilitating irritant gel that covers and sticks to the target, disabling them for up to an hour. Available with a 120dB alarm to draw attention and startle attackers. AIIRO® is one of the smallest non-lethal defenders available. At under 6 inches it fits easily in a bag or pocket, offering powerful, concealed defense that weighs under half a pound.
When paired with situational awareness and proactive safety measures, HERO products serve as an indispensable part of your personal security. Their compact size and ease of use means you can always have protection in reach wherever life takes you.
Know it. Name It. Stop It.
We’re committed to empowerment and protection. Through innovative products, awareness, and education we stand with those working tirelessly to make our communities a safer place. This January 18, take a moment to reflect—and act. Visit SPARC to learn more about stalking. Together, we can save lives, empower individuals, and protect each other from stalking and violence.
