Stalking

Stalkers can be unpredictable and dangerous. Whether through in-person or through the use of technology, stalkers use a variety of strategies to invade the lives of their victims. Most stalkers use multiple tactics and can escalate their behavior(s) at any time.

You have no control over the stalker’s behavior and are not responsible for what they do. However, it can be useful to think of steps you might take to keep yourself and loved ones safe. This process is called safety planning.

Though victims can make safety plans on their own, it is often helpful to work with a trained professional such as an advocate. The guidance below is intended for general informational purposes only and is not designed to replace a personalized safety plan created with the assistance of a professional. The suggestions below are also not exhaustive. You are the expert on your own life and you know best what options might be possible or feasible.

Source: StalkingAwareness.org

 

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5 Things You Can Do If You Are Being Stalked

Safety Planning: Basic Considerations


• Trust your instincts. Many victims of stalking feel pressured by friends or families to simply ignore the stalker’s behavior or “just tell them off.” Stalkers are dangerous and your fear is justified.
• Your safety plan should evolve, change, and adapt as the stalking situation changes.
• As much as possible, don’t only plan around what has already happened – also think about what
might happen next (for example, “if X happens, I will do Y”)
• Consider or try to anticipate how the stalker may react to any changes you may make, so you can further plan for your safety. Stalkers often escalate their behavior when the victim reacts (for example, if you block them on social media, they might start showing up at your home).
• Victims must balance their need to live normal lives with their concerns over safety. Only you can decide what tradeoffs are realistic and appropriate for you.

General Safety Strategies – Consider

• Working with a local domestic violence shelter or victim services program to develop a safety plan.
• Notifying the police, especially if you feel you are in any immediate danger. You can explain to the police why some actions that might seem harmless (like the stalker driving by your house or leaving you a gift) are causing you fear.
• Ceasing any further communication with the stalker. Many stalkers perceive any contact, even negative contact, to be a reinforcement (more information on this below). 

  • Keeping a log of every stalking incident (link to log) including the date, time, what happened, and the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Documentation is key to understanding the scope of the situation, safety planning, and/or holding the offender accountable.
    • Varying your daily routine periodically – routes to and from work/school, the grocery store, or
    other places you regularly go.
    • Telling your family, friends, and neighbors that you are being stalked and instruct them on
    what they should do if the stalker contacts them.
    • Seeking a protective order (For more help, contact Victim Connect, National Domestic Violence
    Hotline or RAINN). For more information on Safe Haven's Court Advocacy program can help you, click here. 
  • Consider cutting off any and all communication with the stalker. Many stalkers misinterpret any
    contact (even negative contact) as encouragement. Some victims feel that they should ensure the stalker knows that the contact is unwanted. If that is true for your situation, you may consider telling the stalker once – and only once – that you do not want any contact. After that, it is important to consider cutting all ties with the stalker, including not answering messages or calls.
    Some examples of how to express your desire for no contact include:
    • “I am not interested in having a relationship with you. Do not contact me ever again.”
    • “Do not call, stop by, text, or contact me in any way whatsoever.”
    • “I do not want you to contact me in any way. If you continue to do so – or if you are on my property, or follow me – I will call the police.”
    • “I am ending this relationship. I am not going to change my mind. Do not contact me again. I do not want to have any communication with you, in any form. If you try to contact me, I will call the police/take legal action.”

While disengagement is advisable, it is not always possible or realistic to cease all communication. Some victims feel safer by communicating with their stalkers to gain information on the stalker’s mood and plans. Some victims must maintain contact with their stalker due to shared custody of their children. It is important to understand how continued contact can impact an order of protection or a criminal case, so please discuss this with the professional who is assisting you with your safety planning.

Source: StalkingAwareness.org

Stalking Incident & Behavior Log

Download a Copy Here