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January Is Stalking Awareness Month

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January is Stalking Awareness Month and a local spokesperson says it is a serious crime.

Executive Director of Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault...Shellie Holmes...says the legal system does not view stalking lightly....

"...stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking can be charged as a crime or an element of other crimes, especially if domestic abuse or sexual assaults are involved....."

Holmes says it frequently happens at the end of relationships...

  "....especially ones that do not end amicably, or where there has been abuse, it's much more likely there may be stalking if one party is unhappy with the relationship ending. It has to do with the feeling of the loss of control, or somebody wants the other person back, or they're obsessed with the other person...."

Holmes says it can manifest itself in many ways. A person might show up inappropriately to talk. It could be your property is tampered with or the security of your home has been breached. Your personal information might be hacked, or tracking devices installed on digital devices. Holmes says listen to your inner voice...

 "...if you are feeling fear, that is the very definition of stalking. That is the legal definition of that. Maybe it is time to get law enforcement involved especially if there has been domestic abuse in the past. We do have advocates who are very much aware of stalking and the dangers of stalking. We suggest people call and talk to an advocate here. We can do safety planning with people...."

Tri-County Council is headquartered in Rhinelander with offices in Eagle River and Crandon. They have a hotline at 1-800-236-1222 or online at tri-county council. org .

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