If you think someone is talking to you, then react.
Being a stalker leaves a person feeling powerless and afraid.One in four women and one in 13 men in the United States are victims of stalking in their lifetimes, and usually the victim knows the person who is stalking them.If you think you're being followed, you can take steps to stay safe.If you believe you are being followed, or if you feel in danger, call the police.
Step 1: Communication with the stalker is not advisable.
They feel like they have power over you because of the stalker's behavior.They have successfully manipulated you into responding to them if you give them any reaction at all.Do not respond or react to them.Don't reply to their texts, emails, or website comments.All of these communications should be saved for evidence.Don't show any reaction if you see the stalker.The stalker wants to see you react.Don't beat yourself up if you cannot present a calm and stone-faced exterior.Their behavior is not your fault.
Step 2: Take the threats seriously.
You should believe them if the stalker has threatened to harm you.Make plans to be safe if you contact law enforcement immediately.Once you are in a safe place, make sure to record and report any threats.If you were previously in a relationship with a stalker, they may threaten suicide in order to manipulate you.Contact law enforcement if this happens.Don't allow yourself to be manipulated.
Step 3: Changes to your technology are necessary.
Get a new phone or computer if your stalker had access to it.The old ones may have a problem.You can get a new email and phone number.Send an email to your contacts from your new email address.I have had to change my email address because I am being harassed by my ex- husband.If you have my permission, you should change your passwords for all online accounts.If you want to collect evidence against the stalker, you should forward your old email and phone number to law enforcement.
Step 4: Inform people about your situation.
Let people know about the stalking is one of the most important things you can do.Sharing your concerns with people you trust will give you a network of support.They will be able to keep an eye out for you and help keep you safe.Tell people you trust, such as family members, close friends, teachers, co-workers, or those in your religious community.It is possible to inform people in protective roles at your school.Inform your school principal, university official, or security company at work.Show people the stalker's picture or give a description of their appearance.If they see the person, let them know what to do.If you see him, please call the police.Please text me so I don't go away.
Step 5: Ask for privacy on the internet.
Ask your friends not to post any information about you.If you want to restrict its use, consider removing your account entirely.Your stalker may be using what you post on social media to find out more about you.Don't allow the stalker to access your accounts if you know their online identity.
Step 6: A plan should be developed.
If you feel threatened, come up with a plan that you can execute quickly.Knowing a safe place to stay, having important documents and phone numbers at your disposal, or signaling people in the event of an emergency are some of the things this plan may include.If you need to leave quickly, you may want to pack an emergency bag.Inform your family and friends of a code word or phrase that indicates that you are in danger and not able to speak freely.If you decide that you want your friend to call emergency services on your behalf, you could say, "Do you wish to order Thai food tonight?"If you have children, make them aware of safe places to go and people to talk to if they are in danger.
Step 7: Change your routine.
If you want to avoid getting into a pattern, change up your daily routine.Take a different way to work and leave at different times, find other places to get your coffee, or switch around the days of your exercise class.
Step 8: You should stay alert when you are in public.
Don't listen to music while out in public or bury your head in your phone.Remember the saying, "There's safety in numbers, so ask friends or family to accompany you places if necessary."Don't walk alone at night.To get to your door, ask your friends to walk with you.Don't forget to have your belongings with you.For example, remember your wallet or jacket.
Step 9: Don't exercise alone.
If you want to start running or biking with a group, join a gym.Only in well-traveled areas can you exercise.Don't wear headphones.Carry a self-defense item with you.You can find friends to work with.If you are a runner, you should recruit one of your friends to train with you.
Step 10: Self-defense techniques can be learned.
It's important to know how to defend yourself in the event of an attack.You can learn how to be more aware of your surroundings.You can take a self-defense class.Self-defense classes can be found at fitness centers, colleges, and martial arts studios.Make sure you know how to use pepper spray, and carry a self-defense item with you.Ask the police officer what self-defense tools they recommend.
Step 11: Make sure your home is secure.
Take precautions to keep yourself and your home safe.Inform trustworthy neighbors of your situation so they can keep an eye out for suspicious behavior.Keeping doors and windows locked is one of the measures you could take.The curtains should be closed.Instead of hiding a spare key on your property, give it to a neighbor.There is a security camera around your property.
Step 12: When opening the door, be careful.
Unless you are expecting someone, you may want to stop answering the door.Being rude and safe is better than being impolite.Ask your friends or family to call you or knock on your door.They could say hello to Jane.It is Carlos!If possible, have your deliveries sent to your place of employment or a friend or family member's house.Ask the service people if they will be working on your property.If you don't have a peephole, install one.
Step 13: Speak to an advocate.
Call a crisis hotline and speak to someone who can help you learn more about stalking laws in your location, develop some strategies to stay safe, and refer you to other services.The Victim Connect Resource Center is the number to call.
Step 14: Talk to the police.
Anti-stalking laws may have been broken by your stalker.Talk to the police about what you can do.They will advise you of the best precautions to take and the types of information you have that will be most helpful for them.
Step 15: A restraining order is needed.
If you know the identity of your stalker, you can file for a restraining order against them.You can talk to a law enforcement official or your victim advocate.
Step 16: Hold on to all of the evidence.
If you receive threatening texts, emails, or phone calls, record them.They should be forwarded to the police officer assigned to your case.If the stalker gives you items, pass them on to the police.Take a picture of the harassment and send it to the police.The owner of the website may be able to help you or law enforcement locate the person who is harassing you.If you suspect the stalker has caused damage to your property, you should file a police report and take pictures of the damage.
Step 17: You can make an incident log.
Every encounter with the stalker should be recorded.What transpired, your follow-up with law enforcement, and document date and time.If anyone in your life regularly sees a stalker, ask them if they would be willing to create an incident log of their own encounters for additional evidence.
Step 18: Your instincts are what you should trust.
Don't write off the situation as an overreaction.They want to control the situation and cause terror to their victims.You may be dealing with a stalker if someone keeps showing up in one way or another.A stalker isn't someone who shows up a lot.When encounters begin to have power over you and frighten you, repeated contacts are considered stalking.
Step 19: Determine if there is a stalker.
There are warning signs of stalkers.stalkers frequently call you and hang up, show up at your home, school, or place of work, and leave gifts for you, regardless of whether you know it or not.
Step 20: Look at the stalker.
The stalker is usually someone the victim knows.They can be former partners, acquaintances, or strangers.If you know the person who is stalking you, you should give law enforcement all the information you have on them, including email addresses and usernames.If you can, give a picture.If you don't know the person, record a video or take a picture of them.You can write down a description of the license plate number.