Being the target of a stalker is a serious matter and will require you to take proactive steps to protect yourself. Reclaiming your freedom and peace of mind starts with involving the right authorities and using your best judgment. Utilizing the strategies listed below will help you manage the situation and prevent unnecessary harm.
If you are in immediate danger or are fearful for your life, please dial 911 immediately.
Recognize Stalking Behavior
Stalking is any pattern of behavior that causes them to fear for their safety or the safety of others. Stalker tactics include:
- Unwanted phone calls and texts
- Social media messages or comments
- Unwanted gifts
- Showing up at your workplace or commonly visited areas (coffee shops, grocery stores, etc.)
- Harassing the victim, family, or friends of the victim
- Damaging property
- Tracking your vehicle
- Threats of any nature
If you are unsure if you have a stalker, anything that brings you fear is considered stalking. Harassment can be seen as bothersome or uncomfortable, but when you fear for your life or the safety of others, this is an indicator of a stalker.
Document Everything You Can
In any criminal case, the more evidence you can provide the better. If you have tried multiple avenues for protection, you could benefit from hiring a private investigator to gather evidence without putting yourself in danger. Keeping a detailed record of what the stalker has said and done will prove to law enforcement officials that the stalker is persistent.
Take screenshots of text messages, social media comments, or dates and times of incidents. Write down where you see them or places where you may run into them. Keep photos, gifts, or special items they may leave for you and turn them into law enforcement. Documentation is crucial in getting a restraining order that protects you from physical harm.
Do Not Engage
Giving a stalker the attention that they seek will only fuel the fire. One way to help limit the stalking or unwanted behavior is to set boundaries. Avoid contact with the stalker or giving in to their interaction. Block them on social media so you are not tempted to respond to messages.
Inform your family and friends about this behavior and ask them to support you. Not only should you ask them to support you from afar, but they should also cease contact with the stalker. Telling them to stop is not typically an effective method to prevent future stalking.
Notify Law Enforcement
When stalking begins to escalate from messages to following and gift bombing, you should notify your local police. File a police report and provide all evidence you currently have available to help the police find your stalker. Law enforcement may be able to help you with a restraining order against the stalker if you have enough evidence.
Without evidence, the local police may not take you seriously. Hiring the help of a private investigator will provide you with further evidence without putting you in danger. Private investigators can monitor their social media and watch them throughout their day to prove they are in the same vicinity as you. Private investigators can work directly with local police to give the evidence to them in real time.
Seek Professional Help
The emotional turmoil of dealing with a stalker and the constant worry can be damaging to your mental health. Meeting with a therapist, while your stalker case is being investigated, can help provide you with someone safe and supportive to talk to. Therapists can work with you to limit stress, prescribe medication to limit panic attacks and provide a safe place to spend time away from your stalker.
Educate Yourself On Your Rights
Depending on your state or region, the laws around stalking can vary. While stalking is illegal in all 50 states, they may have varying protections. Victims do have rights when it comes to stalking including the right to file a restraining order. Do your research on what resources are available to you and how you can take advantage of local resources.
Help From St. George Private Investigations
St. George Private Investigations will use the most effective techniques to help you build a case against a stalker. You don’t have to face this alone and compromise your safety when you work with our PI. Involving the proper authorities will keep you and your family safe while working to apprehend the stalker. We also recommend reaching out to the National Stalking Resource Center for other advice and help. While PIs will work to gather evidence, they are not able to be bodyguards for a victim. Practice safe actions and call emergency personnel if you are in immediate danger.
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