Do you think you are being stalked by someone? This is a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. If you think you are the victim of a stalker, read this article to clear your doubts, protect yourself from him and stop him.
Steps
Step 1. The most important thing is to share your fears with the people you trust:
family members, colleagues or good friends.
If the stalker is part of one of these groups, he may feel unmasked and stop bothering you
Step 2. Normally a stalker can be someone you have dated in the past who has not accepted your rejection
It can be a colleague of yours, a neighbor, a fellow student or a complete stranger
Step 3. If you receive anonymous phone calls or e-mails in which you are threatened, make sure to save them or record the conversation in order to deliver them to the telephone operators
- Never answer calls or emails.
- Telephone companies and internet providers can identify the person who is bothering you if necessary. Report what is happening to you.
Step 4. Go to the nearest police district and report suspicious activity
- The authorities will take your case seriously. Stalking is a crime.
- The agents will open a complaint file to gather all the information necessary for their investigations, and will tell you how to behave.
- If you already know the identity of the stalker, tell the police.
Step 5. Never, under any circumstances, try to communicate with the stalker
If someone persecutes you, they will not be able to be rational towards you. If you try to talk to him, you will only encourage him. With his behavior he is not respecting your person, your rights and your privacy
Step 6. Always try to be in the company of your trusted friends or family members when you go out
- Ask your friends to walk you to the door when you get home.
- Avoid going out alone for a jog, walk or bike ride.
Step 7. Once home, check that the door and windows are closed
- Don't open the door to anyone unless you are sure you have someone you trust in front of you.
- If someone rings the intercom saying you need to make a delivery, before opening ask for all the details and call the shipping company to confirm.
Step 8. When meeting people be kind and friendly, but:
Don't share private details with anyone, such as your phone number, your address, your daily schedules, or where you work. Keep some distance
Step 9. Change your daily routine, from bus ride to breakfast bar, change your email address, passwords and even phone number
Always pay attention to the people around you
Step 10. Don't blame yourself and go out of your way to protect yourself
If the stalker notices that you have taken serious action, he may stop bothering you
Advice
- Only act if you are sure that someone is really stalking you.
- Look for organizations in your area that can help you and be close to you in this sensitive time.
Warnings
- The most dangerous stalkers are those who have suffered domestic violence in the past, who are addicted to alcohol or drugs or who appear desperate in their attempts to attract the attention of the person they have targeted.
- Take the stalker's threats seriously, report his intimidating phrases to the police by repeating each word. You can also consult a lawyer.
- Not all stalkers realize what they are doing. Ask a police officer to make him understand that what he does is punishable by law.
- Install a security system in your home, place an alarm and video cameras even in the parking lot and in front of your entrance door. If the stalker tries to bother you again, you will have evidence to turn over to the authorities.
- Learn self-defense techniques.
- Changing your name, workplace, email address, phone number, or even city may not be enough to stop a truly convinced and obsessed stalker. He might get discouraged at first, but sooner or later he'll get back on your trail. If you understand that the situation is serious, and that you are in danger, the only solution is to report it to the authorities.
