Advocacy and Resource Center of Sheridan

ARC

Stalking

Stalking is the willful, malicious and repeated following and harassing of another person with the intent to instill fear or a credible threat of violence.

Have You Done Any of the Following Because You Felt You Were Being Watched or Followed?

• Moved to a new location?
• Changed jobs or asked for a job transfer?
• Moved to a relative or friend’s house or a shelter?
• Changed your phone number?
• Considered seeking counseling?
• Asked to be escorted to your car?
• Changed work schedules or routes to work?
• Stopped visiting places you previously frequented?
• Taken self-defense courses?
• Bought pepper spray?
• Purchased a gun?
• Installed an alarm system in your home or car?
• Put new or extra locks on your home?
• Bought a “guard dog?”
• Told friends, coworkers, or family that you were being followed or watched?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, chances are you have been or are a victim of stalking

Steps You can Take…

• Call the police if you suspect danger
• Call the Advocacy & Resource Center
• Keep a journal documenting incidents of contact
• Ask the police for copies of the reports
• Consider getting a protection order
• Invest in a caller ID, answering machine or a recording device
• Talk to any witnesses to determine whether they will testify in court if necessary
• Tell neighbors, coworkers, friends, and relatives
• Get a 9-1-1 cell phone (available at the A & R Center)
• Consider getting a post office box for your mail
• Try not to be alone when you are out of your home
• Vary your patterns, e.g., where you run, shop, etc.