Safety Plan to Curb Stalking

Stalking is a crime that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or geographical location. If you believe someone is stalking you, create a plan to stop it from happening. You may be in immediate danger, or you may be threatened on a continual basis without being at immediate risk. The following guidelines can help you decide how much danger you're in and what you should do about it.

Every Stalker is Different
Every stalker is different, which makes it impossible for you to deal with a stalker by basing your decisions on how someone else dealt with a stalking. Call your local domestic violence or rape crisis center, or you local prosecutor's office, to find someone to help you create your own safety plan. 

Safety Plan for Victims in Immediate Danger
If you find yourself in immediate danger, get yourself to a safe place as fast as you can. Seek refuge at a police station, a friend's house, a domestic violence shelter, or any public place with lots of people where your stalker may be less inclined toward violence.

If you can't get away, use your cell phone (or find a pay phone) to call for help.

Upon reaching safety, you may want to report the incident to the police for additional support. Request that all information given be kept confidential. If the stalker caused any property damage or physical harm, you may want to file a report and/or press charges.

Safety Plan for Victims Not at Immediate Risk
Here are some things you can do to help protect yourself from your stalker:

• Get a restraining order. While this doesn't guarantee your safety, it does give you a legal course of action if the stalker violates the restraining order. This order may anger your stalker; be careful when considering this option so you don't get yourself in more trouble.
• Familiarize yourself with local stalking laws. The more you know, the better.
• Keep any evidence you have of the stalker to give to police. This includes photos of destroyed property or personal injuries, answering machine messages, letters, notes, etc. Also keep a written journal of the days and times you are stalked.

Take preventative measures:

• Install solid core doors with dead bolts. Change the locks if necessary.
• Install outdoor lighting around your living area.
• Take measures to protect your privacy, such as changing your phone number and keeping it unlisted or getting a post office box for all your mail.
• Vary your normal routine.
• Inform a trusted neighbor, coworker, and/or building manager of your situation. Provide them with a description of your stalker.
• Avoid traveling alone and try to stay in public areas. If you need immediate help, yell "Fire!"
• Treat all threats seriously.

Create a quick getaway plan in case you are in imminent danger. Your plan should include:

• Important telephone numbers, such as your loved ones, neighbors, and the police, so you can inform them about your situation.
• Keep necessities on hand: a small overnight bag, some extra money, and a full tank of gas in your car, along with your medications, birth certificate, social security information, and passport.

Understand that there is no guarantee you will still be safe even if you follow some or all of these guidelines. But you can greatly increase your chances.