A stalker may be someone you do not know or know very well.
Being stalked is terrorizing and it is against the law. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, in 75 percent of stalking cases, it is men who stalk women. However, many forms of stalking exist. Stalking is not the victim's fault, and if you realize you're being stalked, there are a few things you can do to get help immediately. Stalking can escalate into violence and you should not downplay the dangers involved.
Instructions
Signs of a Stalker
1. Notice the people around you. If you see the same person following you around, or find one person showing up where you are all the time, the person may be stalking you. If the same person calls you or hangs up repeatedly, this is another warning sign for stalking.
2. Observe your car and other property. If your property is damaged, or if you receive unwanted gifts, emails or letters, someone may be stalking you.
3. Realize if someone is monitoring your telephone messages and your computer use. Stalkers may also use hidden cameras and global positioning systems to track you.
4. Notice how you feel around a particular person. If you feel stressed or threatened by one person, he may be a stalker. Stalkers threaten victims and their friends and family. They drive by victims' workplaces or school on a constant basis.
5. Watch your trash set out for collection. If you find your garbage examined and looked through, this may be a sign of a stalker. Stalkers also use public records, online record services and private investigators to find information about their victims. They also contact coworkers and family members.
What to Do
6. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Emergency services will transfer you to local police or the fire department to help you right now.
7. Listen to your instincts. If you feel threatened by a person you think is stalking you, it is most likely he is a stalker. Listen to what the stalker says. If he talks about suicide or murder, believe that he will harm you.
8. Create a personal safety plan. Organize a place to escape to or relatives you can turn to for help. Think of a plan to use if the stalker shows up at your home or work. Do not communicate with the stalker.
9. Contact a stalker hotline for more information about what to do. The National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Domestic Violence hotline help stalking victims to escape their stalkers and they offer free legal advice.
10. Keep all the evidence from the stalking. Record in a notebook when she turns up at your job or home or when she calls you. Keep letters, emails, gifts, or photographs that the stalker sends you. Note the dates on the items. Photograph any damage the stalker has done to your personal property using a digital camera that displays the date. Find witnesses who are willing to write down what they saw the stalker doing.
11. Contact your local police department to find out what your local laws are on stalking. Your stalker may have already broken laws, such as damaging your personal property. Consider filing a restraining order against your stalker to stop him from coming near you.
Tags: Center Victims, Center Victims Crime, information about, local police, National Center, National Center Victims, personal property