If you have experienced stalking, it is important to learn more about how to deal with stalkers.
Recognizing the signs and proactively protecting yourself can help you stay safe.
However, learning how to exercise your legal options is also essential.
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But stalking involves so much more than just following someone around.
Oftentimes, the person stalking another makes threats or intends to harm the person in some way.
Additionally, stalking also can occur online as well, and this version is often calledcyberstalking.
What’s more, almost half of people who are stalked experience at least one unwanted contact per week.
And, 11% of those targeted are stalked for five years or longer.
And many times, stalking will get worse over time and can even become violent.
In fact, nearly 50% of people who were stalked experience one or more violent incidents.
Meanwhile, 31% of women who were stalked by an intimate partner were also sexually assaulted.
Stalking also can cause those who are targeted tolose sleepas well as time at work.
Stalking also causes high levels ofanxietyand social dysfunction.
Go to a Safe Location
Find a safe place to go if someone is following you.
Know where these locations are in your community and how to get there.
Always Carry Your Phone
Carry your cell phone with you at all times and keep it charged.
You want to be able to call for help if it’s crucial that you.
Trust Your Instincts
If you feel like something is wrong or unsafe, trust your gut.
Consider leaving the uncomfortable situation, even if nothing is happening at the moment.
Usually, your instincts or gut reaction is your first warning that you’re in danger.
have a go at take different routes and vary your routine.
Travel With Others
Try not to go too many places alone.
So, be sure you are not sharing too many details about your life.
You also should avoid checking in to different locations online.
Doing so allows the person stalking you to know where you are at the moment.
Taking a self-defense class also can help you feel more empowered and self-confident.
Do Not Engage With Their Contact Efforts
Refrain from responding to emails and messages.
In general, it’s best not to respond to someone who is stalking you.
Any key in of response, even an angry one, could be encouraging to the person stalking you.
Stalking is a traumatic experience and many of those targeted experience depressive disorders or PTSD.
A trainedmental health professionalcan help you navigate this situation and help you take care of yourself mentally and emotionally.
Once inside your car or your home, pull the door closed and lock it immediately.
For instance, a neighbor might notice someone sneaking around your house and alert you and the police.
Or a classmate might notice a strange person lurking outside of class and let you know.
Having people watch out for you is an added layer of protection.
You will already know what to do.
Here are some other steps you could take to help you feel safe.
Create a Stalking Log
Keep track of when and where the stalking occurs, including any witnesses.
Write down the date, time, and location as well as how it made you feel.
If you have an order of protection, they also are not permitted to contact you in any way.
If they do, they are breaking the law and can be held accountable.
Document Evidence
Save evidence of stalking and online harassment.
If you are being stalked and are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 911 right away.
Unfortunately, that rarely happens.
Keep in mind that people who stalk others are already violating boundaries and making their targets feel unsafe.
You also should consider getting the help of a mental health professional.
What you’re experiencing is significant, and it can impact your mental health in a number of ways.
For instance, depression, anxiety, and evenPTSDare common responses to this punch in of experience.
Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center.Stalking fact sheet.
Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center.Stalking and intimate partner violence: Fact sheet.
U.S. Department of Justice.Stalking.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stalking: Know it.
National Domestic Violence Hotline.Stalking safety planning.
Dreing H, Gass P, Schultz K, Kuehner C.The prevalence and effects of stalking.Dtsch Arztebl Int.
2020;117(20):347-353. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2020.0347
National Conference of State Legislatures.Domestic violence/domestic abuse definitions and relationships.
