Tip Sheet

I’m a Stalking Victim

More than 1 million women are stalked each year in the United States, with 1 in 12 women becoming a victim of stalking in her lifetime.¹ Stalking is broadly defined as repeated harassment or threatening behavior that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.² These behaviors can include unwanted contact, attention, or harassment; invasive communication via e-mail, phone, text message, or mail; and direct or indirect threats.

How Can I Protect Myself?

• Call 911, if you have an emergency.

• Create a safety plan that addresses your situation.

• Consider filing a protective or stay-away order against your stalker.

• Learn your rights.

For information about creating a safety plan, please visit these Web sites:

• Safety Plan Guidelines

• Creating a Safety Plan

For information on protective or stay-away orders, please visit the following Web site or contact your local court:

• Stalking Protection Orders

For information about stalking laws in your state, please visit these Web sites:

• Stalking Laws

• WomensLaw

• VictimLaw

1. Patricia Tjaden and Nancy Thoennes, Stalking in America: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey, available at: http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles/169592.pdf.

2. Office on Violence Against Women, http://www.usdoj.gov/ovw/aboutstalking.htm.