“What did you do to provoke him?”
That’s the response a woman says she received when she went to police seeking help over escalating threats from an ex a reaction, she says left her feeling blamed instead of protected.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the woman later came to the sheriff’s office lobby to document ongoing intimidation, property damage, and fear involving a former boyfriend she described as mentally unstable and prone to violent outbursts.
She told deputies the man repeatedly shows up at her Proctorville home uninvited, curses at her, threatens to kick in her door, and throws objects during rages. She said he has damaged furniture inside her residence and broken her phone, and that his behavior escalates when she blocks him or cuts off contact.
The woman told deputies she is afraid to sleep in her own home and has resorted to pushing furniture in front of doors to feel safe. She described the man as a danger to both himself and to her when he is in these episodes.
She also told deputies she previously contacted the Proctorville Police Department for help and was stunned by the response. According to the woman, she was asked what she had done to provoke the behavior — a question she said minimized the threats and made her feel responsible for her ex’s actions. She said she later raised her concerns with city leadership because she felt her safety was not taken seriously.
Deputies followed up with the woman by phone after she was unable to immediately provide copies of threatening messages. During that call, she reported that after leaving the sheriff’s office, the harassment escalated. She said the man began repeatedly contacting her and showed up at her home again, removing a security camera in what she believed was an attempt to access footage before putting it back.
She also told deputies that the man’s family reached out to her, expressing concern and encouraging her to do whatever she needed to do to protect herself.
Out of fear for her safety, the woman said she is currently staying with a friend, who is also concerned about what the man may be capable of doing.
The incident was documented, and the matter remains under review.