4.6: F. Risk-Reduction Suggestions

A victim may be able to best assess the stalker’s potential for violence. A victim should choose what action he or she wants to take to attempt to stay safe. This may mean hiding, pressing charges, or staying and utilizing the law enforcement community and courts. Even given the best efforts of law enforcement and the courts, it is impossible to guarantee the complete safety of a victim.

If you are a victim:

• Try to avoid all personal contact.
• Trust your instincts and do not worry about overreacting.
• Lock all doors at home, in the dorm, in your garage, and in your car.
• Consider filing charges with the police and obtaining a restraining order.
• Inform people. Let them know what is going on.
• Tell people at work and keep a copy of a restraining order if you have one.
• Screen your mail and be alert for any unusual packages.
• Have emergency phone numbers available.
• Keep records of all stalking behavior, so law enforcement can look at the totality of your circumstances.
• Keep accurate dates, times, and locations of events as well as the names of any witnesses.
• Keep copies of letters and so on. Touch items only at the edges so evidence like fingerprints can be preserved. Store the items in a paper bag as plastic can trap moisture that will ruin the evidence.
• Take pictures if it is safe to do so.
• Use an answering machine and get an unlisted number.
• If you are being followed do not go directly home, go to the police station.

Suggestions for online safety include:

• Get a non‑gender specific on‑line name.
• Edit online profiles to remove personal and gender specific information.
• Take care when designing your signature so as not to reveal personal information.

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