Run Away from Your Stalker
Do you ever notice a random person everywhere in the halls during class or outside following you around? Do you wish he wasn't there? Well, this is for you.
Steps
- Tell someone about the problem. Parents, police or a trusted friend. Back your suspicions up with proof and other witnesses. As soon as you notice a stalker that is outside of your workplace or school, always call the police. The least that will happen is that they have a record of problem. This will help you if you need a restraining order in the future or if something happens to you where your whereabouts are being questioned.
- See if you have a mutual friend or acquaintance with your stalker. Talk to that person and ask them to intercede, and persuade them to leave you alone. If you are being followed by car drive to the nearest police station.
- If you have a distinct feature you might try doing something that you usually don't, so you won't be noticed. Wear a different jacket or cap. Walk with a friend to ward off any possible attacks. Some people even cut their hair, etc.
- Find the return address of any mail sent to you. If there is none, you can take it to the police, and have them check for fingerprints, so you can identify who this person is.
- Pay attention to what halls or places you usually see him/her in. Do your best to avoid these areas, even if it means taking an alternative route.
- If you can, walk by a police station, as this will deter the stalker from following you. Change your route often so they will not expect to see you in the same place every day.
- Make sure you have a way to spot them from a distance. If you see them, memorize their shirt color and be on the lookout for it. Write down this information.
- Keep everything. Letters, notes,and photos are powerful proof that will help you later. Keep letters in a file, and possibly a list of other things you have received from your stalker. It may sound silly, but essentially, what you are doing is building up evidence for a potential court case, should it come to that. Also, in case anything should happen to you, you will have a record of your stalker's behavior for others to find.
- Talking to the person or making eye contact could be dangerous, because they are afraid to talk to you or are trying to hurt you. Take an adult you trust and go face to face with them. Always let someone know where you are going. Or have a policeman question them as to why they are following you. This usually chases them away or establishes a reason why you do not have to fear them.
- Consider how to defend yourself if you are ever physically assaulted. Contact your gym teacher, or a personal trainer. They will usually help you and give you a couple of pointers. Martial arts schools are abundant these days, and if you cannot afford classes, they usually have offers for a trial period. Usually you can just observe, and try to learn a few things that way.
- If this person comes up to you and recites personal things, ignore him/her, walk away from them. Go to the nearest public place(a restaurant or store) and call for help. When this person is starting to make you feel uncomfortable, warn them that you have called for help. Give them a squirt with your perfume or scream to get attention, because you warned them and you're really getting tired of it.
- Get a restraining order. If the behavior continues for long periods of time, or you feel truly fear for your safety, contact the police department and they will tell you how to file for a restraining order, and you will have to go before a judge to plead your case. Generally you need at least three(3) pieces of evidence, such as a letter, taped phone call, and/or witnesses that will voice for your claims.
Tips
- Also do not allow them to follow you home. You don't have to show suspicious people where you live. Go to a police station or safe house of a friend of family member for help.
- If you report them to the police and your stalker still stalks you, then you have no choice but to discuss it in court.
- Don't walk alone. Try having at least one friend with you.
- Do not show the person that you are scared.
- Openly carry your weapon (if you have one). It may deter your stalker, especially if you don't usually carry your handgun openly.
- If you feel really unsafe, carry a cell phone and call someone to come get you.
- Stop into as many public places as you can if you feel someone is following you.
- If they start trashing your house, or if you think they know where you live, call the cops pronto.
- Always have a phone to call 911/000 if you need to!!
- Always carry pepper spray or a bottle of peppermint/pure lemon juice. A strong perfume could work if you do not have any of those available.
- Be brave. Try to use pepper spray or any other objects that can gave you a defense. Call out for help. Try to run away from the place.
- Always have someone by your side. If you feel you are being stalked, walk into a public place.
- If you're followed via car, drive to the nearest police station. Use your car alarm to draw attention.
- If you fear for your safety, try not taking the same route twice or pattern your movements from A to B.
- Always remember what your stalker looked like so you can report him if necessary.
- Be judicious about carrying weapons for your defense, as their use can be illegal; for example, if the use of pepper spray on humans is illegal in your jurisdiction, even if you use it in self defense, you can be charged with assault with an illegal weapon even if you were the undisputed victim of the attack.
- If you think you are being followed by a car or a person, walk or drive around the block a couple times. Look into a shop window or your phone and see if the person is still there.
Warnings
- Don't do anything or go anywhere the stalker tells you to.
- Stalkers are dangerous, do not take the situation lightly.
- Confronting your stalker is not the best idea. While it can sometimes make them back off, it can also make them escalate in their behavior. Either way, it is best to go to the police first.
- If possible, NEVER let the stalker follow you home.
- Do not use mace or a weapon unless you have been trained in how to use them properly. If you are threatened, or if they are trying to hurt you go to a public place and get help.
- Check with your local police department to see if you can get their recommendations on self defense.
Things You'll Need
- Cellphone (preferably with GPS tracking device.)
- Notepad to jot down information such as a license plate of a car following you, what your stalker is wearing,etc.
- File folder. This can help you keep any letters together so you'll have proof if you go to the police.
