Stalking

Stalking is when someone repeatedly does things that make another person feel scared or emotionally upset.
It’s a pattern of behavior that can make someone fear for their safety or the safety of people they care about.

Stalking can include things like:

  • Unwanted contact (calls, texts, messages)

  • Giving unwanted gifts

  • Showing up uninvited or following someone

  • Watching or tracking someone

  • Damaging property

  • Making threats

Even though stalking usually targets one person, the stalker might also contact their friends, family, or coworkers as part of their behavior.

What does stalking look like?

  • Repeatedly calling or messaging you

  • Following you or showing up where you are

  • Sending unwanted gifts, letters, texts, or emails

  • Damaging your property

  • Watching your phone or computer activity

  • Using technology to track your location

  • Driving by or waiting near your home, school, or work

  • Threatening to hurt you, your family, friends, or pets

  • Doing things to control, scare, or track you

  • Using other people—like kids, family, or friends—to try to reach you

Security camera outside.
GPS Map.
Man sitting a car looking out the window.
Carboard box sitting on a table.

Safety Tips

Physical Safety

  • Tell the person clearly to stop contacting you. Save proof by taking screenshots or writing down what happened, especially if it was in person or over the phone. This can help if you decide to file a police report or get a protection order.

  • If you have recently moved or are planning on moving, reach out to LEVI to see if the Address Confidentially Program is a good fit for you. Ask if you are eligible for early lease termination.

  • Keep track of everything. Save any messages, photos, or other evidence. Write down every time the person contacts or approaches you. This helps show a pattern of behavior. Learn more documentation tips here: https://www.techsafety.org/documentationtips.

  • Improve your safety at home. Get security cameras, change your locks, or use other safety tools. If you need help getting these, talk to an advocate. If a crime has been reported, a police advocate may be able to help with this.

  • Always check the identity of workers who come to your home. Ask to see their ID.

  • If you have a protection order, tell people who can help—like your neighbors, your job, your child’s school, and close friends. Keep a copy of the order with you at all times—in your bag, car, and at home.

  • Change your daily routine. Try going to the gym, grocery store, or work at different times. Take different routes to school, work, or other places you go often.

  • Park in safe places. Choose well-lit areas near building entrances or where there are security cameras.

  • Share your location with one or two trusted people, like a close friend or family member. Don’t make your location public or share it with too many people.

  • Trust your gut! If a situation feels off, leave or call for help immediately.

Technological Safety

  • Turn off location settings on your phone and other devices.

  • Check all the apps on your phone. Make sure you recognize them and that none are sharing your location.

  • If you think your car might have a tracking device, ask the police or a trusted mechanic to check it.

  • Be careful about what you post online. Don’t tag your location, share where you work, or post about moving to a new place.

  • Change the passwords to all your accounts.

  • If you share accounts with someone, remove them or start new accounts on your own. This includes:

    • Bank accounts

    • Car, health, or home insurance

    • Phone plans

    • Roadside assistance or safe driver programs

    • Smart home devices (like Alexa or Google Home)

    • Any accounts with a “family” plan

  • If you still think your phone or device is being watched, it may be safest to get a new phone and number.
    You can reach out to LEVI for help with this.

Supporting those experiencing stalking

  • Believe them and validate their feelings and concerns. Tell them they are not to blame.

  • Support them. Help them document the behavior and connect them with resources.  

  • Safety plan with them.  

  • Respect their privacy.  

  • Check in.  

Other Forms of Violence