If you or someone you know has a stalker, you could be in danger. Former NYPD officer and private investigator, Michael Frassetti discusses what to do if you think you have a stalker.
How to deal with a stalker:
The first step to dealing with a stalker is to try and identify who they may be. Once you've identified them, the best thing to Once you have done that, try to distance yourself from them if possible.
- Stop using social media: We are a society of sharing but what we sometimes fail to realize is social media can give your stalker knowledge of your exact whereabouts at specific times during the day. If possible, delete all your social media accounts. If that’s not possible, limit your use of your social media accounts. Do not tag yourself in specific locations or check-in places.
- Save text messages and incoming call logs: If your stalker is contacting you via phone make sure you are saving the text messages and call logs. There are applications you can download that allow you to record your phone calls, if your stalker is calling you, try and record these phone calls.
- Gather Evidence: Compile a file of all the evidence you have on your stalker. You should include emails, text messages, call logs, photographs of gifts, anything you have received from your stalker.
- Tell Others: Tell other members in your family what is happening, make sure someone knows where you are at all times. If you’ve tried to cut ties with your stalker and they still persist, contact the police immediately.
How do you identify a stalker?
A stalker is someone who gives another person unwanted attention or harassment. Stalkers can be people you know or complete strangers. Usually, stalkers are obsessed with their victims utilizing social media, and public information to gain access to them. Some stalkers may never come into contact with you while others will try many avenues of communication in order to get your attention, excessive telephone calls, text messages or email messaging to name a few.
How do I know if my stalker is dangerous?
Many stalkers really do like their victims but do not understand typical social boundaries. Your stalker could start out sending you flowers or sending you gifts but over time begin to harass you more and more if you aren’t giving them the attention they think they deserve. Even if your stalker has yet to do anything dangerous, you should take measures to protect yourself immediately. Many stalkers escalate to more dangerous methods of stalking like trespassing, burglary, and harassment.
I’m afraid for my life. What should I do?
If you are afraid for your life, call the police immediately. Contact family or a close friend and tell them you have a stalker. If possible, avoid traveling alone. It may also be a good idea for certain individuals to look into protection services.
Taking legal action
The first step would be to report the stalking to the police. Stalking is illegal in all 50 states, so the police should act on the report. Make sure you have gathered as much evidence as you can when you make the report to the police. The stalker should be arrested and charged but if the stalker is released or found not guilty, you can file a civil lawsuit against him or her for any physical or emotional harm they may have caused. Many attorneys work on contingency fee basis meaning you don’t have to pay any fees out of pocket unless they win your case for you.
Resources
There are several support groups across the US that will provide useful information and support for victims of stalking.
If you need assistance gathering evidence for your case, Capital Protection & Investigations can help you gather what you need. Contact Michael Frassetti for a free consultation today.