A stalker can be a constant source of stress and can even make you fear for your life.Someone who contacts you continuously when you don't want them to is considered a stalker.A stalker is someone you know, an ex-partner, a former lover, or even someone who used to be a friend.The easiest way to end stalking is to report it to the police.You may be able to get a restraining order if the stalking continues.There are other ways to protect yourself from stalkers.
Step 1: If you feel like you are in danger, call the police.
If your stalker is threatening you or your loved ones with violence, immediately seek emergency assistance.If you can, move to a place where your stalker can't get to you.Tell the operator everything you know about the stalker.Let the operator know that you need protection where you are if your stalker isn't immediately nearby.Don't try to convince yourself that you're overreacting by calling the emergency number.There is no reason to take unnecessary risks if you think you are in danger.
Step 2: The stalking behavior should be saved.
Even if you want to eliminate all contact with your stalker, you can still use any messages or gifts they send you as evidence of their behavior.Police can't help you if you have no evidence of a crime.Property damage or assault may be committed by your stalker.The evidence you should keep includes: Written messages, texts, emails, or messages on social media, any gifts or other items your stalker sends to you, and photos of any damage the stalker has done to your property.
Step 3: Take names of people who witnessed the stalking.
Friends, classmates, coworkers, neighbors, and even family members who have been there when your stalker contacted can help support your story.Ask them if they would be willing to give information to the police.Write down their name and contact information if they agree.It is possible to have them write down exactly what they heard or saw while their memories are still fresh.It can take months for a legal case to develop and they may forget details of the incident in that time.
Step 4: Stalking incidents should be kept in a journal.
Write down the date and time when the stalker tried to contact you, along with a brief description of what happened.If you have evidence, such as a saved voicemail message or an email, make a note of it.Write the names and phone numbers of any witnesses in your log.You can download and print a form from the Stalking Resource Center for free.
Step 5: Go to the nearest police station as soon as possible.
If you don't feel like you're in danger, take your evidence to your local police station and ask to report the stalking in person.Tell your story to the officer who takes your report.You should organize your evidence in chronological order.Make copies of any evidence you plan to give the police.If you can, take a friend or relative with you who can corroborate your story as well as provide you with emotional support.If the officer you speak with doesn't seem to take you seriously, ask to speak to someone else.Most local police departments have at least one officer who works with victims of abuse.
Step 6: You should get a copy of the police report.
A written report will be produced by the officer you reported the stalking behavior to.The final report may take a day or two.You should be able to get the report number so that you can get a copy of the written report.Carefully review the report when you receive it.Mention if there is anything that doesn't seem right to you or to the officer, and get it corrected.You can get the officer's name and number.If there isn't an officer assigned to your case, you should ask someone to call you if you need to report incidents later.
Step 7: If more incidents occur, follow up.
Write down the details when your stalker contacts you again.Tell the officer assigned to your case about the latest incident.Let them know if you have evidence, such as letters from your stalker.Don't touch anything you get from your stalker, such as a letter or gift.It should be handed to the police.Pick up the letter with a pair of scissors and put it in a plastic bag.Don't open it.Don't open packages from your stalker.The police should take the whole thing.
Step 8: Contact the local victim services or domestic violence program.
Look for a government agency or nonprofit organization in your area that helps people who are victims of stalking or domestic violence.They have resources that you can use.They will help protect you and your loved ones from harm.You may be able to get the names and contact information for programs from the police department.Even if your situation is not domestic, domestic violence shelters and programs can give you advice and support.You should still be able to get help from these organizations if you are being followed by a former coworker.
Step 9: If you need an emergency restraining order, visit your local police station.
Normally, you would go through the local court to get a restraining order.If you need an emergency restraining order to keep your stalker away from you, you may be able to get it through your local police department.You have the chance to seek a temporary restraining order if the courts are in session.Your order will be in effect on certain dates.You can have up to a week in some states, but not in others.Emergency restraining orders can only be used in certain situations, such as if the police are called to the scene of an incident involving you and your stalker.
Step 10: You can get a petition form from the court clerk.
If you want a restraining order against someone, you have to fill out a form.These forms can be found in the court clerk's office.There are many courts that have them on their website.If you're working with a domestic violence shelter or other victim services program, they'll have copies of the restraining order form as well.There are a few pages of instructions in the Restraining Order form packets.Make sure you understand the instructions before you start filling them out.
Step 11: You can fill out the petition form with information about yourself and your stalker.
You should be able to fill in the answers on your computer if you downloaded the form online.Blue or black ink is used to write your answers on a paper form.If you need help filling out your form, reach out to a local domestic violence shelter or victim services program.If you don't know where you can get help filling out your forms, ask the court clerk.
Step 12: Take your forms to the court clerk.
You can file your forms with the court by taking the originals as well as your copies.The originals and copies will be stamped by the clerk.There is no fee to file a restraining order petition.To get a temporary order issued, you may need to talk to a judge.Until the date of your hearing, the temporary order is in effect.
Step 13: Have your stalker serve the petition.
The judge won't issue a long-term or permanent restraining order without giving your stalker the chance to tell their side of the story.Notices of the hearing and the opportunity to attend are given by officially serving your petition on your stalker.The sheriff's deputy will usually serve the court papers for free.If you don't know your stalker's address or think they will be hard to find, talk to the clerk.You can use alternate processes to serve them.You'll need a "proof of service" document to file with the court clerk when you're served court documents.The person who served the papers filled out the document.Take the original to the clerk's office and make a copy.
Step 14: Prepare witnesses and evidence for your hearing.
You should make at least 3 copies of any documents you plan to use at the trial and organize them in chronological order.Before the hearing, talk to witnesses about the questions you'll ask them.You can find an attorney to represent you if you don't want to present your own case.Information about attorneys who might represent you for free or on a sliding-fee scale can be found at your local domestic violence center.
Step 15: Make your restraining order permanent by attending your hearing.
The judge will hear from both you and your stalker at the hearing, as well as any witnesses you may have.The judge may ask you questions about how your stalker is making you feel.Your order will not be made permanent if you don't attend this hearing.It's possible that your stalker won't show up for the hearing.You need to prove that a restraining order is justified even if they don't.A judge won't grant you a permanent restraining order unless your stalker is there to contest it.The judge will make a decision after hearing all of the evidence.The clerk's office can give you a written copy of your restraining order.The judge can decide not to make your restraining order permanent.You have the right to appeal.The temporary restraining order will remain in effect until the appeal is heard.
Step 16: At all times, keep a copy of your restraining order with you.
You should make several copies of the restraining order once you get it.You should keep at least one copy on your person.The other copies should be left with management or security personnel.If you have a part-time job and go to school, you should give a copy to your school's security office.You can keep a copy at home or in your vehicle.If you go frequently to the homes of family and friends, leave copies there as well.Give copies of the restraining order to other people who are protected by it.
Step 17: Tell people about your stalker.
Your friends, family, coworkers, classmates, and other people should be aware of your stalker.Tell them who your stalker is.Make sure they don't talk about you or give information to your stalker.A photograph can be helpful if they don't know you are a stalker.A basic description of your stalker is possible.In extreme cases, your stalker may dye their hair or disguise their appearance to try to get close to you without being recognized.Make sure your neighbors know about your stalker so they can report it if they see it.If you live in an apartment, tell your landlord about your stalker and make sure they know that you don't want them in your home.
Step 18: Passwords and usernames can be changed online.
If you suspect that your stalker might be able to access your online accounts, change your passwords.Changing your usernames on social media can make it harder for a stalker to find you.If you can't change your usernames for professional or personal reasons, make sure you protect your accounts with the highest possible security.
Step 19: It's a good idea to block your stalker on social media.
All social media platforms allow you to block users who you don't want to interact with.They won't be able to see or interact with your posts after you blocked your stalker.You won't be able to see or interact with their posts.Even after blocking your stalker, be on the lookout for what you post on social media.Someone who is friends with you and still has access to your account could give you back information.Don't give away your location by posting personal information.Before you return, don't post pictures or information about trips or events.People can't tag you in photos or posts if you turn off tagging.This information can be used to get back to your stalker.If you make your social media accounts private, your posts can only be seen by people you know.
Step 20: You can change your routes to work or school.
If your stalker is local, they may try to follow you as you go about your day.You can come up with different ways to get to the places you frequent at different times of the day.If you have to be at work at 9:00 a.m., you could leave some mornings at 7:30 and others at 8:00.If you rely on public transportation, leave early and take a roundabout.You should try to vary your other tasks as well.For example, if you go to the same grocery store on a Saturday morning, you can sometimes shop at a different store.You don't want your stalker to be able to predict where you will be on any given day.
Step 21: You should get new locks on your house.
All of your locks should be changed as soon as possible if you had a stalker living with you.This prevents your stalker from entering your home and threatening your safety.Deadbolt locks can help keep your home more secure.Make sure your windows can't be opened from the outside.If you give someone a key to your home, be careful.If you still have contact with your stalker, don't give them a copy of your key.
Step 22: You can get a PO box or secure your mail with a lock.
Your stalker can use the information from your mail to access your accounts or learn more about you.Make sure your stalker can't access your mail.If you get packages frequently, make sure they're delivered to a location where your stalker won't be able to retrieve them.
Step 23: It's a good idea to install an alarm or security system.
Inexpensive alarm systems and video doorbells are easy to install.If you're frequently home alone, these systems can give you peace of mind.Home security systems that have a connection to the local police will allow them to respond more quickly to stalkers.
Step 24: You should move to a different place.
It is not an option for a lot of people.If you can just move to a new location, this will help ensure that your stalker doesn't know where you live or how to find you.Find out if your state has an address confidentiality program.The programs protect victims of stalking or domestic violence by keeping their personal addresses out of public records.Take your police report, restraining order, and other documents related to stalking to your landlord and ask if you can move to a different unit in the same complex.You may be able to do this without affecting your lease.