January is Stalking Awareness Month 24 Hour Crisis Line: 800 - 833 - 1161 While legal definitions of stalking vary from one jurisdiction to another, a good working definition of stalking is: A course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear Victims of stalking often feel like they have lost control of their lives because they live in a constant state of fear. Many have had to completely change the direction of their lives and relocate to flee harm, leaving a victim with a feeling of emptiness when their lives are being controlled by a stalker. The new year celebration will bring billions of new years resolutions. What's yours? ....exercise more?... quit smoking or caffeine?... be a volunteer?... to make you and your children's lives better by leaving your abuser? It may sound crazy, but there are many victims out there that are not able to leave because their abuser keeps tabs on them. Most stalking doesn't start after a victim has left their abuser. Victims are often stalked during the relationship, making it very dangerous and difficult to leave. It is a fact that the risk of violence increases once a victim leaves. Unfortunately a lot of victims have been slowly isolated from friends and family and have limited contact with the world outside their abuser. In most cases the safest way to leave is to have a safety plan and we are here to help. If you or someone you know is being stalked or in an abusive relationship and need help, please contact us. We have a 24 hour crisis line, so you can call whenever it is the safest for you. Domestic Violence Services, Inc. has advocates available to help you with your safety needs. If you are concerned or in fear for yourself or a loved one please contact us. We are available 24 hours a day!! For Immediate Emergency Assistance: 24 Hour Crisis Line 800 - 833 - 1161 Pendleton Advocacy Center: 541-276-3322 Hermiston Advocacy Center: 541-567-0424
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