Attorney General Steve Rowe, right, and Kennebec and Somerset counties District Attorney Evert Fowle, left, with representatives from rape crisis and domestic violence centers around Maine joined Jan. 9 in Augusta to compile stalking kits that are available through the Rape Education and Crisis Hotline for Oxford County and the towns of Harrison and Bridgton, and the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project.

Stalking kits made available to victims

AUGUSTA – The state rape crisis and domestic violence centers have compiled items for stalking kits that are available through the Rape Education and Crisis Hotline for Oxford County and the towns of Harrison and Bridgton and Abused Women’s Advocacy Project.

Stalking kits, made available in large part through the Maine business community, contain tools for victims and can help increase their safety. They include flashlights, disposable cameras and a handbook for victims of stalking.

REACH Advocates are available through a 24-hour helpline, 1-800-871-7741, for people who are victims of sexual assault or stalking that may have occurred recently or any time in the past, and for family and significant others.

REACH also has a lending library at its office in Paris. AWAP operates a 24-hour domestic violence helpline, 1-800-559-2927.

Both programs offer educational programs for schools and the community-at-large, support groups and one-to-one help. Services are free and confidential.

January is National Stalking Awareness Month.