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Lucas County proclaims January 2025 as Stalking Awareness Month
Summary
The Lucas County Board of Commissioners on a unanimous vote adopted a proclamation recognizing January 2025 as Stalking Awareness Month and received a presentation from the YWCA on local impacts and services for survivors.
The Lucas County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing January 2025 as Stalking Awareness Month and heard a presentation from Rachel Gardiner of the YWCA about local services and the continuing prevalence of stalking and related domestic violence.
Commissioner Jessica Ford introduced the item and said the proclamation marks the 21st anniversary of Stalking Awareness Month and highlights local YWCA services. Rachel Gardiner of the YWCA told commissioners that "for many of our folks that we serve in the community, even when we're talking about someone who did everything, quote unquote, right ... it doesn't mean that the abuse ends," and described recent cases in which survivors continued to be stalked after they fled or relocated.
The nut graf: Commissioners framed the proclamation as both an awareness measure and a call for cross-system responses. Commissioner Gerken said awareness must be paired with coordinated advocacy from courts, police, prosecutors and government, and urged continued work to protect survivors in the era of social media-facilitated stalking.
Gardiner highlighted the YWCA's shelter and outreach programs and described examples of ongoing stalking: "Someone who fled to another city and left our community after seeing the person that was stalking her outside her children's school and getting a text message saying, I saw you today, today you live, next time you won't." She asked for continued support for courts, law enforcement and advocacy services that help survivors rebuild their lives.
Commissioner Lopez moved the proclamation; the clerk called the roll and the motion carried with all commissioners voting yes. Commissioners presented the proclamation to the YWCA representative following the vote.
Ending: The proclamation directs public recognition and does not create a new program or budget line; commissioners and the YWCA framed the effort as part of ongoing public safety and victim services work.
