Stalking
SAFETY ALERT:
Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear all website footprints. If you are in danger, please use a safer computer that your abuser can not access directly or remotely, or contact the Sexual Violence Education and Support area of the Student Wellness Center (614-292-4527) and ask for an advocate. Or call the 24 Hour Helpline (614-267-7020), Ohio Domestic Violence Network (800-934-9840).
If you would like to speak with some one right away, please call the 24 Hour Helpline 614-267-7020.
If you are experiencing stalking...
In general, it is best not to communicate with a stalker or respond to attempts to contact you
Some notes about protection orders
When you have a protection order, it is helpful to...
What is Stalking?
Stalking occurs when a person repeatedly behaves or acts in a way that invades your life and causes you mental distress or fear of bodily harm. Common stalking behaviors may include: following you, calling or texting you, threatening you, damaging your property, threatening to hurt you or your friends/family/pets/etc. Stalking may even look "romantic" or non-threatening (like sending flowers, cards, e-mails or instant messages, etc.). It is important to understand the context and impact of the behavior: it occurs when contact is known to be unwanted and causes distress to the recipient.
Stalking is a crime.
Stalking is unpredictable and dangerous. It is important to know that you are not to blame and not responsible for the stalker's behavior, and cannot control or change the behavior of a stalker.
Stalking can legally be defined as unwanted behavior that intends to cause mental distress and involves a pattern of conduct consisting of two or more incidents/events closely linked in time.
If you are experiencing stalking...
and feel that you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Consider calling the police and make a report whenever an incident occurs - even if the incident seems minor. Documentation of unwanted incidents is an important part of building a stalking case.
Contact the OSU Police, at 614-292-2121, if the unwanted incident/event occurred while on campus.
If the unwanted incident/event occurred off campus, in Columbus, contact the Columbus City Attorney's Domestic Violence & Stalking Unit at 614 -645-6232. This office takes reports, investigates cases and assists with needs of victims/survivors during the court process for misdemeanor domestic violence and stalking cases.
To get information about your options and support with taking needed steps, contact the Sexual Violence Education and Support area of the Student Wellness Center (614-292-4527) and ask for the CAP Coordinator. For anonymous assistance (24/7), call 614-267-7020 and pick the "Campus Advocate" option to leave a message. An advocate will return your call and speak with you over the phone or arrange to meet in person.
Trust your instincts. Sometimes, you may want to ignore what's happening or downplay and minimize the situation. The fact that you are uncomfortable or afraid is enough for you to take some actions.
Take threats seriously
- even though it may be hard to believe someone would actually hurt you.
Danger is usually higher when the stalker talks about suicide or murder.
If the person stalking you is someone with whom you've had a relationship, an attempt to leave or end the relationship can also increase the likelihood of a dangerous event. It's important to develop a safety plan at this time.
A safety plan...
can include things such as changing your routine, arranging a place to stay, and having a friend or relative accompany you when you go places.
Decide in advance what to do if the stalker shows up at your home, work, school, etc.
Tell the people around you how they can help you if such an event happens - even consider showing them a picture (if you have it) and give identifying information about the person stalking you.
In general, it is best not to communicate with the stalker or respond to attempts to contact you.
The stalker will feed off any attention from you - even negative attention. Let a phone call from the stalker (or any unknown source) go to voice mail - if available. Once the stalker knows contact is unwanted, look for ways that still allow for non-direct communication from the stalker (e.g. text messages, voice mails, saving unwanted e-mails or IMs in a folder, etc.) which can be used as evidence - but do not respond to any communication from the stalker.
Start a log/journal/calendar of unwanted contacts. Write down the time, date and place of each incident, the names of any witnesses, what exactly happened and how it made you feel.
Keep evidence. At this point, it is good to be working with police and possibly the prosecutor's office. Keep emails, phone messages, letters, notes, etc. Photograph anything of yours that the stalker damages and any injuries that the stalker causes. If there are any witnesses, ask him/her to document what they saw.
Let law enforcement and/or prosecutors know about any communication that has been received.
Some important notes about Protection Orders
An order of protection (protection order) is a temporary order intended to help provide safety and protection to victims of certain crimes. If you have a protection order against someone and they show up or violate the protection order in any way, the police can arrest them and charge them with this violation. Do not warn the stalker that you are calling the police, do it as quickly and quietly as possible.
OSU police and Sexual Violence Education and Support staff from the Student Wellness Center can help you with getting a protection order.
There is no court fee for protection orders and individuals at the court house can explain the process and assist you with attaining one. However, it does help to have a lawyer advise you and represent you with Civil Protection Orders. Please see the resource section of this guide for more information.
Once a protection order is issued, the stalker can have no contact with you - even with your permission. Only a judge can change the terms and conditions of the order. A protection order is intended for persons who are in fear for their safety.
It is also good to try to be out of town or in an unknown location when the protection order is served. If possible, allow a couple of days away from locations that the stalker may know.
If you have questions about criminal or civil protection orders, please call the Columbus City Prosecutor's Domestic Violence & Stalking Unit (614-645-6232).
When you have a Protection Order it is helpful to:
Make sure you have a copy of your Protection Order with you at all times.
Do your best to have absolutely no contact with the stalker (or someone acting on their behalf) until the case is over.
Do not go where the stalker is staying or places he/she may be - if you are able to anticipate this.
Take a copy of the Protection Order to your neighborhood police station so they will be aware of potential problems. You can also give a copy to OSU police, to help them insure your safety while on campus.
Change your door locks and keep your doors and windows locked. Some people even consider buying alarms or moving - if possible.
Put sturdy sticks in windows and sliding glass doors. Plan your escape route and think about what you would do in each room if you were to be confronted by the stalker (how you could get out, what you could do to draw attention to the situation, what you could use to defend yourself and/or buy you time to leave).
Alert neighbors to call the police if they see the stalker at your home or if they hear or see anything suspicious.
If possible, have someone stay with you or stay with them - especially around court dates.
There is safety in numbers - to a certain extent. If possible, plan your activities so you are not alone. Think of what you can say to friends, co-workers and family about what is going on so you can develop a safety net around you.
Remember that witnesses are very important. Being around people whenever possible not only helps you remain safe, it allows for a stronger criminal case against a stalker.