What to do if you are being stalked

Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately to file a complaint and be prepared to give details about the stalking.

Write down occurrences after they happen so that you can clearly communicate to authorities what has taken place. Be specific when answering questions.

What? When? How? Who?

• What threat has been made?
  
• When were the threats made?
  
• How were the threats made?
  
• Who made the threats?

Remember information such as specific acts of violence that were threatened and whether weapons were present during the threat.

Record the exact location and time of day that events occurred.

Save any communications where threats were made in writing.

If threats are made over the telephone you may want to check with your local phone company about the possibility of tracing or recording phone calls.

Give police a description of your stalker and the names of any witnesses who could help identify the person.

When you know your stalker...

Most reported cases involve a woman being stalked by an estranged or former spouse or someone who was once intimate with the victim. Just because you know your stalker does not mean that you cannot seek help. If you are not safe at home, call your local law enforcement agency or a telephone operator and ask for information about a nearby shelter.

What happens when you file a complaint?

When you file a complaint with local authorities concerning stalking, terroristic threatening, harassment or harassing communications a warrant may be issued for the arrest of the accused. If the accused is arrested there will be an arraignment proceeding and the court will issue either a "no contact order" or a "protective order". It is important to get copies of these documents and keep them accessible at all times. If a violation of the order takes place, law enforcement officials will need to know the exact language of the document to determine what action can be taken against the accused.

Preventative Measures

• Install dead bolts. If you cannot account for all keys, change locks and secure spare keys;
  If possible, install adequate outside lighting;
  
• Maintain an unlisted telephone number. If harassing phone calls persist, notify law enforcement;
  
• Treat any threats as legitimate and inform law enforcement;
  
• Vary routes taken and limit time spent walking;
  
• Inform a trusted neighbor (and colleagues) regarding situation. Provide neighbors with a photo or description of the suspect and any possible vehicles he or she may drive;
  
• If residing in an apartment with an on-site manager, provide the manager with a picture of the suspect;
  
• Have co-workers screen calls and visitors; and
  
• When out, try not to travel alone, and stay in public areas.

(The material in the preceding section excerpted from Security Recommendations, Los Angeles Police Department, Threat Management Unit, 1993)

Your prosecuting attorney's office, local law enforcement officials or protective shelters may be able to provide more information about stalking and how you can protect yourself.