What can I do if I am being stalked or harassed?

If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services right away. If it is not an emergency, move to a safer location, contact someone you trust, and start documenting each incident with dates, times, places, messages, photos, and witnesses.

Keep a detailed log of every incident, save texts, emails, voicemails, screenshots, photos, and social media posts, and note witnesses and locations. Back up copies in a secure place so the evidence is not lost if your device is damaged or accessed.

Contact the police if there are threats, repeated unwanted contact, property damage, trespassing, tracking, physical following, or any fear for your safety. Even if you are unsure a crime occurred, a report can create an official record.

A safety plan should include safe places to go, people to call, a code word with trusted contacts, changing routines, securing your home, updating passwords, and planning how to leave quickly if needed. Review and update it regularly.

Save screenshots, URLs, account names, and timestamps, then block and report the accounts on the platform. Tighten privacy settings, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid engaging with the harasser unless a lawyer or investigator advises otherwise.

Change passwords, use unique strong passwords, turn on two-factor authentication, review account recovery settings, and check for unknown device logins. Consider scanning for spyware and having a trusted professional inspect your device if you suspect monitoring.

Tell your manager, HR, or security team, provide documentation, and ask for workplace safety measures such as escorts, schedule changes, visitor restrictions, or a no-contact plan. If needed, ask for accommodations and involve law enforcement or legal counsel.

Do not argue, threaten, or try to reason repeatedly with the harasser. Set one clear boundary if appropriate, then minimize contact, preserve evidence, and let trusted people or authorities handle further communication when possible.

The most useful evidence includes dated messages, call logs, voicemails, screenshots, photos, videos, witness statements, surveillance footage, and records of police reports or restraining order violations. Keep originals whenever possible and do not alter the files.

Contact your local court, victim advocate, legal aid office, or police department to learn the process in your area. Bring your documentation, be ready to describe the pattern of behavior, and ask about temporary or emergency protection if needed.

Treat repeated unwanted contact, monitoring, threats, or showing up uninvited as serious. Block where safe, document everything, tell trusted friends or coworkers, and seek legal and police help if the behavior continues or intensifies.

They can help by saving evidence, accompanying you, screening calls, checking in regularly, sharing safety plans, and avoiding giving out your location or routine. Ask them not to contact the harasser unless law enforcement recommends it.

Treat threats as urgent. Call emergency services or the police, move to a safer place if possible, and preserve the threat exactly as received. Do not delete messages, and tell trusted people so you are not handling it alone.

Yes. Vary routes, times, and habits when practical, but avoid making yourself more isolated. Pair routine changes with broader safety steps like secure entrances, trusted escorts, and documenting any suspicious patterns.

Report it to campus security, student services, a dean, or a Title IX or misconduct office if relevant. Ask for no-contact directives, class schedule changes, housing changes, escorts, and documented academic accommodations if the situation affects attendance or safety.

Preserve every contact, avoid sharing personal details publicly, check privacy settings, and report the behavior to platforms or police if there are threats or repeated unwanted contact. If the person appears in person, move to a public place and seek help immediately.

Improve locks, lighting, and entry security, use cameras if available, tell neighbors or building staff, and do not share access codes. Report trespassing or suspicious behavior promptly and keep a record of vehicles, times, and repeated visits.

Reach out to a counselor, therapist, victim advocate, or crisis line if you feel overwhelmed. Focus on sleep, support, and practical safety steps, and remind yourself that the harassment is not your fault.

Get legal help if the behavior is repeated, threatening, involves trespassing, tracking, impersonation, or violations of existing orders, or if you need help with restraining orders, evidence, or workplace or housing protections. A victim advocate or legal aid service can help you start.

Assume the risk may continue, even after a pause. Keep your evidence, maintain your safety plan, update passwords and security measures, and report any renewed contact or surveillance as part of the same ongoing pattern.