Tracy Adams, known as “Trace” to his friends, will soon start serving a 22-month sentence in a state prison for 10 counts of computer trespass. He had accessed his girlfriend’s computerized dating account and email, and in the process made her feel violated and threatened.

Island County Superior Court Judge Alan Hancock, widely respected for his fairness and impartiality, handed down the sentence, so the public can be assured it was deserved. Some friends of Adams’ in the paramedic community, to which Adams once belonged, complained, but the sentence was reasonable, not only as punishment but as a warning to other men not to abuse or threaten women in any way, shape or form, even if it’s electronic.

Domestic violence is just as big a problem in Island County as elsewhere, and almost always it’s a man abusing a woman. We don’t have enough housing to meet the needs of abused women nor do we have sufficient counseling and other resources available.

The criminal justice system must always send a clear message that men can’t abuse women for any reason. It’s a lesson that used to be taught from the earliest ages in cowboy movies, but now seems to be lost on many men.

So let’s say it clearly one more time: If a woman doesn’t want your attention, leave her alone. If you don’t, there may be a prison cell waiting for you.