Harassment by neighbors can take many forms, including yelling obscenities; loud and disruptive noises (especially at night) from parties, fights, or other activities; threatening or abusive behavior; or damage to your home or yard by pets.

If your neighbor’s behavior is merely annoying and not abusive, threatening, or criminal conduct, you may be able to resolve the issue with a courteous discussion. But if your neighbor’s conduct is threatening, abusive, violates a noise ordinance, or is a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, for example, you may be able to get assistance from the police (call 911 in an emergency) or from the civil courts in the form of a restraining order.

In Wisconsin, harassment by neighbors is addressed under state statutes that define harassment and outline the legal remedies available to victims. Harassment can include a range of behaviors such as yelling obscenities, loud noises, threatening behavior, and property damage. If the behavior is not criminal but merely annoying, it is often best to attempt to resolve the issue through direct communication. However, if the conduct is abusive, threatening, or criminal, such as stalking, trespassing, or violating noise ordinances, the victim can seek assistance from law enforcement. In emergency situations, calling 911 is appropriate. For non-emergency harassment that meets legal criteria, victims may seek a restraining order through the civil courts. Wisconsin Statute § 813.125 outlines the process for obtaining a harassment restraining order, which can legally prohibit the neighbor from continuing the harassing behavior.