Advocates speak on stalking

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, an observed month in the US to recognize the victims of domestic violence and unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence.   

The Sheridan Advocacy and Resource Center helps hundreds of residents every year traverse through the legal system and escape abusive and dangerous situations. 

In many situations, people can get out of these types of relationships on their own only to be harassed and stalked by former partners. According to The Stalking Prevention and Awareness Center, 40% of the 13.5 million people stalked in a one-year period in the United States are stalked by a current or former intimate partner, 42% are stalked by an acquaintance.

Assistant director of the Sheridan Advocacy and Resource Center, Rhonda Weber, defined stalking for listeners of Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse. 

  R. Weber 

Stalking offenders use many tactics that may not be technically illegal such as making unwanted phone calls, approaching the victim or showing up in places when the victim does not want them to, following and watching the victim, and with the advent of technology, sending unwanted texts, photos, emails, and messages through social media.

Weber suggested those who believe they may be victims of stalking begin keeping a journal of all activities and contact that is made by the perpetrator, as well as save screenshots of unwanted texts and make note of locations and times the person has arranged to be in the same place. Taking the time to note such experiences will begin to build a log of the unwanted behavior that may eventually be shared with law enforcement. 

Stalking is a crime. Although it is difficult to keep track of how many stalking cases take place in Sheridan unless it is turned over to law enforcement, Advocacy and Resource Center Volunteer Coordinator and Victim’s Advocate Brittany Hamilton said they handle many cases at the center every year. 

B. Hamilton

Weber and Hamilton wish to reassure the community that victim’s who visit the center are listened to and advocates can help to build action plans and if needed, help to begin the process of filing a protection order.  

Advocates are not law enforcement officials, nor are they lawyers, but will help Sheridan residents navigate many various legal processes. 

If you feel that you may be a victim of stalking, contact the Sheridan Advocacy and Resource Center by clicking here. Or, contact the Sheridan Police Department by dialing (307) 672-2413.