Dealing with Various Types of Stalker - Here's How
Few things can be as terrifying as having a stalker close on your trail. The experience can be - at best - deeply uncomfortable, and at its worst, terrifying and traumatic. Stalking ends up leading to other types of violent crime, which is why it’s important to nip it in the bud right away and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you think you might have a stalker and want to know what to do, read on for more information.
Who is the Stalker?
First things first, identify the stalker and find out who it may be. Thomas Feiter from Fighter Law Firm (https://www.fighterlaw.com/) explains that most of the time when people are stalked, it is by someone they know. Your stalker may be someone you don’t know at all, or an ex-partner or even your co-worker. As a behavior, stalking entails inappropriate and unwanted attention of any kind, which amounts to harassment. Even actions that might seem fairly benign at first, such as gifts or messages conceal a threatening impulse, so steer clear. If you mention to this person several times that the interactions make you uncomfortable, only to have them fall on deaf ears, then it is your right to start taking more serious steps to protect yourself.
Do Not Confront
If you feel that you are in considerable danger, then do not confront the stalker. If much of the following occurs online, which is a form of cyberstalking, then you might take the following tack: block this individual’s social media profiles from being able to access your own, and even consider giving yourself a break from social media for a few days and see if that throws them off.
If the individual is intent on following you as you wait for the train, for example, then definitely do not confront them unless witnesses are around. Or, simply notify a law enforcement official to let them know what is going on. If the person continues to stalk you, then more stringent measures are necessary.
Notify the Police
The next thing you need to do is to hide any trace of your personal information online, to make it more difficult for the stalker to follow you. Then, call the police and file a police report. Even if the stalking does not feel violent or threatening, take the initiative to alert officials to be on the safe side. In your report, be sure to include all signs of stalking, bring copies of violating text messages or letters with you, and any evidence you can get your hands on. While the authorities may not be able to do anything right away - they will be on call and ready to act should matters take a turn. Be sure to ask them for advice and see what they need you to do to keep them in the loop.
Stalking is a difficult experience for anyone to go through. However, you don’t have to succumb to feelings of helplessness and paranoia. Be careful with your personal information and do not try to confront the stalker directly if it doesn’t feel safe. Then, be sure to involve law enforcement early on, and even hire a lawyer to help guide you through the process and protect you.
