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 for your safety.
- If you are in immediate danger call 911.
- Be alert for suspicious persons, and immediately get to a safe, well-lit public place if you suspect you are being followed.
- If driving, go directly to a police station if you are being followed. Never drive home or to a friend or relative’s home.
- Trust your instincts. Don’t downplay the danger. If you feel you are unsafe you probably are.
- Take threats seriously.
- Tell the stalker to leave you alone clearly and firmly. Do not negotiate with your stalker.
- Keep a log of incidents including the date, time, what happened, and the names of any witnesses. Ask any witnesses to provide a written statement about what they observed, along with their contact information. Even if you decide not to pursue prosecution, you may change your mind and it will be helpful to have documentation of every incident.
- If you have a restraining order, make several copies, and carry a copy with you at all times.
- Save any packages, letters, messages, or gifts from the stalker. They may be important if you decide to report to the police.
- To keep your address confidential, get a post office box and use it on all correspondence. Put this address on your checks.
- Use an answering machine to screen calls. Save all voice mail messages from the stalker, or record them to a tape recorder and save the tapes.
- You can have your phone reject calls from anonymous or unknown callers by contacting your local telephone service provider.
- Acquaint yourself with 24-hour stores and other public, highly populated areas in your neighborhood. If someone is following you, never go home.
- Inform your place of employment that you are being stalked.
- Inform friends, family, neighbors, and other people you know that you are being stalked so that the stalker cannot get information about you from them.
- If you have a picture of your stalker, give one to people you know at the places you frequent.
- Have another person walk with you to your desired destination when you feel unsafe.
- Vary the routes you take and the time you spend when walking.
- Keep your cell phone with you at all times.
- Identify visitors before opening your door.
- Talk with an advocate about developing a safety plan. Decide in advance what to do if the stalker shows up at your home, work, school, or somewhere else.
- Don’t communicate with the stalker or respond to his or her attempts to contact you.