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Take these steps (USDHHS, 2009; NCVC, 2009):
- If you are in immediate danger, find a safe place to go,
like a police station, friend's house, domestic violence
shelter, or a public area. If you can't get out of danger,
but can get to a phone, call 911.
- If you think you could be in danger, get a restraining
order. A restraining order requires the stalker to stay
away from you and not contact you. Talk to a victim advocate
or attorney in your area to see how to get a restraining
order and if an arrest can be made if the stalker violates
the order.
- File a complaint with the police. Tell them about all
threats.
- Write down every incident that happens. Include the time,
date, and other important information.
- Vary routines, including changing routes to work, school,
the grocery store, and other places regularly frequented.
Limit time spent alone and try to shop at different stores
and visit different bank branches.
- When out of the house or work environment, try not to
travel alone and try to stay in public areas.
- Keep videotapes, audiotapes, answering machine/voicemail
messages, photos of property damage, and letters.
- Contact support systems to help you, including domestic
violence and rape crisis hotlines, domestic violence shelters,
the district attorney's office, police, counseling services,
and support groups. Make sure to also keep these numbers
handy, just in case you need them.
- Tell important people about the stalking problem, including
the police, your employer, and family, friends, and neighbors.
Show a picture of the stalker
- Trust your instincts. If you're somewhere that doesn't
feel safe, either find ways to make it safer, or leave.
Continue on to
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