🕵️‍♀️ When Safety Feels Out of Reach: The Reality of Stalking in Rural Eastern Montana

In dense urban areas, stalking often conjures images of anonymous perpetrators lurking in the shadows. But in rural Eastern Montana, stalking frequently involves someone familiar: an ex-partner, a neighbor, or even a former friend. Here, with towns so small that everyday routines overlap, fleeing isn’t easy—and avoidance is nearly impossible.

👀 “I see him everywhere.”

Survivors often tell us, “I see him everywhere.” In communities with one or two gas stations, one diner, one grocery store—and limited side roads—avoiding a stalker becomes a daily challenge.

📌 Montana-Specific Reality Check

• On average, a domestic violence incident is reported every 2.5 hours in Montana, showing how widespread assault and stalking overlap in many crises warren.af.mil+3Instagram+3Seven Days+3Eva Wintl+1Instagram+1KTVH.

• According to DOJ felony review data, while physical assaults are tracked, stalking and non-physical harassment often aren’t addressed with the seriousness they deserve Montana Department of JusticeMontana Department of Justice.

• Montana law enforcement faces resource constraints in rural counties, making consistent enforcement and protective measures difficult to uphold.

🚨 Seeking Help Isn’t Simple

Stalking survivors often face skepticism—especially when they file for protection orders in small towns where “seeing” someone doesn’t feel unusual to others.

• Common barriers:

  • "There’s not enough proof."

  • "No physical harm yet."

  • "It’s natural in a small town that you’ll cross paths."

Even when law enforcement steps in, vague or loosely-worded protection orders often do little to stop stalking behaviors. Survivors still encounter their perpetrators in places they cannot avoid: the school drop-off line, the post office, or local church events.

💬 Survivor Voice: Anna Nasset

Anna Nasset survived a decade-long ordeal of stalking and shared:

“I 100% should be dead... It was the incredible services of law enforcement, advocates, judges and prosecutors that are why I’m here today.”
“You’re not alone. Even in the darkest moments… think of that one person you can call in the middle of the night… You are so worth it.” thehotline.org+10goodmorningamerica.com+10ABC News+10warren.af.mil

Her story reminds us that what often starts as persistent harassment can escalate—sometimes tragically. Stalking isn’t harmless attention; it can be deadly.

💔 What Stalking Really Means

Stalking is rarely a one-time event. In rural contexts, it’s:

• Fueling constant fear, with survivors checking locks or phones at every knock.

• Changing routines—driving extra miles, avoiding known roads, even skipping community events.

• Wearing emotional toll—leading to PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and isolation.

🛡️ How CNADA Stands With Survivors

• We help survivors navigate orders of protection, safety planning, and legal processes.

• We advocate for stronger protections specific to our rural communities.

• We provide wrap-around support—emotional, practical, and legal—to those living with the daily threat of stalking.

✅ How You Can Make a Difference

• Believe survivors. Never dismiss concerns simply because there’s no physical abuse.

• Support policy changes that address stalking more concretely under Montana law.

• Donate to CNADA. Your support enables us to strengthen services and expand presence across rural counties.

• Share these stories. Awareness removes stigma and empowers survivors to seek help earlier.

You Are Not Invisible

Stalking isn’t romantic. It’s not a misunderstanding. For rural survivors, it’s a trap—with few escape routes and few protections.

If you or someone you know is being stalked, CNADA is here. We believe you. We will walk with you—every step of the way.

📞 24/7 Help Line: (406) 951-0475
🌐 Learn more at www.cnada.org