Stalking is increasingly becoming more common in cases of domestic abuse.

Director of Services for Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County, Andrea Kocher says stalking is always an intentional action directed at a specific person. Oftentimes the victim is fearful for their safety and experiences a great deal of emotional stress.

One might think that stalking is growing in its occurrences thanks to the advent of social media but Kocher says social media is actually only a tool. Stalking is much more of a sinister activity than harassment through social media.

Stalking is not unlike other forms of abuse in that when a victim is sharing its experiences, the stories can often sound unbelievable. Kocher explains a person who has never experienced this before is likely to think the situation is exaggerated. 

A victim of stalking changes a lot both during and after abuse happens through this method. We'll have more on that in the days ahead with Kocher on Regional Radio News. 

To learn more about Willow Tree Missions, visit willowtreemissions.org and find them on Facebook.