What to Do if Someone is Stalking You: An Informative Guide

In the United States, one in 6 women has experienced stalking at a point in their life. Stalking is a traumatic experience which can contribute to emotions like fear and despair.

However, with this guide, you can learn what to do if someone is stalking you. From avoiding communication to changing your routine, you can stay safe with these easy tricks.

Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s an in-depth look at how to deal with a stalker:

Avoid Any and All Communication With the Stalker

A stalker wants to have power over you. If you provide them with any sort of response, even telling them to leave, that would mean they would have successfully manipulated you into responding to them. Thus, it’s best not to react impulsively instead avoid all communication with your stalker.

That means, don’t respond to their emails, texts, or even social media comments. Instead, save them. They could prove to be useful later on.

If you see your stalker in person, try not to display any reaction. Simply try your best to present your normal self.

Take All Threats Seriously

If a stalker has directly threatened to harm you or your friends, believe them. Contact your local law enforcement officer immediately and make plans for your safety.

Make sure to keep a record of all the threats you received, whether online or through text. That way, police can accurately assess the stalker.

Also, make a note that stalkers may threaten to commit suicide to try and manipulate you, especially if you were in a prior romantic relationship with them. If this does occur, contact law enforcement rather than engaging with the stalker. Don’t allow yourself to be manipulated.

Make Changes to Your Technology

If your stalker had previous access to your laptop, phone, or tablet, you might want to replace those devices. They might be infected with GPS tracking devices or spyware.

You also should get a new email address and phone number. That way, your stalker can’t see who you’re contacting.

Make sure to change your passwords as well. That includes any banking information, online accounts, and shopping websites.

Tell Others About Your Stalker

It’s essential to let others close to you know that someone is stalking you. There’s no shame in telling people that you trust about your concerns. In fact, it will help build a much-needed support system.

Tell people like close friends, family members, colleagues, or those in your community. You may also want to inform people who present themselves in an authoritative role. For example, you can tell your school principal, a security officer at work, or a university official.

Show them a picture of your stalker or give them details as to what he or she looks like. That way, they know who to look out for.

Also, let them know what they should do if they see this person lurking around. For instance, you can say, “if you see this person call the police right away.” That way, if your stalker does show up, you don’t have to worry; instead, you’ll already have the police to help you.

Develop a Concise Plan

You’ll need to develop a plan that you can quickly put into motion if you feel scared or threatened. This may include having a safe place to stay or singling someone in the event of an emergency.

You can even have an emergency bag packed if you believe you’ll need to leave in a hurry. Items may include clothes, essential papers, as well as important travel supplies. Also, consider using a code word to inform close family members and friends when you’re not safe.

A code word can be as simple as chamomile tea. For instance, you could say, “I’m going to go shopping for chamomile tea” to show friends that you’re in danger. However, try not to make it too complicated that way; it doesn’t sound too out of place or awkward.

Change Your Routine

Change your daily routine and try your best to avoid any patterns that way, it can be hard to anticipate and follow. You can do so by taking a different route to work, leaving at different times, as well as switching the time of various activities.

Learn Self-defense

Learning how to defend yourself in the event of an attack can help you feel more prepared and less vulnerable.

You can take a self-defense class. They’re usually located in fitness centers, and even some classes are given at community centers as well as universities. You can also carry a self-defense weapon such as pepper spray or a gun.

Secure Your Home

It’s imperative to take precaution measures to protect your home and keep yourself safe while residing in it. Make sure to tell your neighbors about your situation so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior happening in the neighborhood. Some precautionary measures you can take include:

• Giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor instead of hiding it somewhere on your property.
• Keep all windows and doors locked at all times. Also, keep the curtains closed.
• Installing a security system or a security camera around your property.

Start Documenting

It’s important that you keep a record of and document any threatening phone conversations, text messages, social media comments, or emails. Also, don’t throw away any items or trinkets that the stalker might have given or left for you. Instead, pass them along to law enforcement.

Unsure of What to Do if Someone is Stalking You? Use These Tips Today!

Stalking is no laughing matter; that’s why you should take every action very seriously. Try not to respond to your stalker’s comments. A stalker simply wants power over you. Don’t give them that power.

It might be a good idea to let friends and family know early on so they can help and support you this difficult journey. Also, make sure to keep records of and document all messages, phone conversations, as well as emails. That way, law enforcement can use them as evidence to create a case against the stalker.

For more information about what to do if someone is stalking you, visit our website to learn more. We look forward to helping you!

Originally published at Trending Us.