Stalking
Stalking is a serious crime. Some stalkers can get more dangerous over time and may turn violent. Stalkers are usually someone you have dated, worked with, or know. If you are being stalked, you may feel afraid, unsafe, worried, stressed, or angry. Please know that help is available.
What is Stalking?
Stalking is when one person repeatedly follows, harasses, or behaves in a way that makes you afraid. You don’t have to be physically injured or hurt to be a victim of stalking.
Some examples of stalking behavior include:
- Following you, driving by or hanging outside your home, school, or work.
- Sending you gifts, letters, or cards that you don’t want
- Repeated calls, including hang-ups.
- Repeated threatening communications, especially after you tell them to stop.
- Damaging your home, car, or other property.
- Monitoring your phone calls or computer use.
- Using global positioning systems (GPS) or other technology to track where you go.
- Threatening to hurt you, your family, your friends, or pets.
- Contacting your friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers as a way to track or frighten you.
- Posting information or spreading rumors about you on the internet or in public places.
What can I do if I am being stalked?
Stalking is a crime and can be dangerous. If you think you are unsafe, take the threats seriously.
- If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
- Contact a victim services agency, a domestic violence program, or a rape crisis program. They can help with a plan for your safety, and refer you to the services you need.
- Tell your close friends, family, and coworkers to get their help.
- Keep a record. Write down every time the stalker follows or contacts you (the time, date, and place). Keep emails, notes, texts, or phone messages. This is evidence to help you prove your case.
- Contact the police and report the crime.
- Get a criminal court order of protection or a family court order of protection which is a court order telling the stalker to stay away from you.
Please visit the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center for more information and resources, including the Stalking Documentation Log and the Stalking Safety Planning Strategies.