Stalking is unpredictable and dangerous

No two stalking situations are alike. There are no guarantees
that what works for one person will work for another,
yet you can take steps to increase your safety.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Trust your instincts

Don’t downplay the danger. If you feel you are unsafe, you probably are.

Take threats seriously

Danger generally is higher when the stalker talks about suicide or murder, or
when a victim tries to leave or end the relationship.

Contact a crisis hotline

A Victim services agency, or a domestic violence or rape crisis program. They can help you
devise a safety plan, give you information about local laws, refer you to other services, and weigh options
such as seeking a protection order.

Develop a safety plan

Include things like changing your routine, arranging a place to stay, and having a friend or relative go places with you. Also,
decide in advance what to do if the stalker shows up at your home, work, school, or somewhere else. Tell people how they can help you.

Don’t communicate with the stalker or respond to attempts to contact you.

Keep evidence of the stalking. When the stalker follows you or contacts you, write down the time, date, and place. Keep e-mails, phone messages,
letters, or notes.

Photograph

Anything of yours the stalker damages and any injuries the stalker causes.
Ask witnesses to write down what they saw.

Contact the police

Every state has stalking laws.
The stalker may also have broken other laws by doing things like assaulting you or stealing or destroying your property.

Consider getting a court order

Telling the stalker to stay away from you.

Tell family, friends, roommates, and co-workers about the stalking

Seek their support.

Tell security staff at your job or school.

Ask them to help watch out for your safety.