Peace River Victim Services
 

Tips for Victims of Stalking or Harassment

When you leave a relationship or if you do not live together

  • Rent a private post office box but be aware that your address will appear on any restraining orders or police reports
  • Be careful who you give your new address and phone number to and ask that they do not store the information in address books, on a rolodex or on any computer devices
  • Don't get subscriptions sent to your home address use the PO Box
  • Put your PO Box on your Driver's License and don't show it to just anyone
  • Reschedule appointments that the offender is aware of
  • Use different stores and frequent different social spots
  • Call the phone company and request caller ID. Ask that your phone number be blocked so if you call anyone they can no see what your new number is
  • Avoid calling 800, 888 or 900 as your phone number will be captured on an Automatic Number Identification service and will appear on their phone bill. If you must call toll free try to use a pay phone.
  • Have your name removed from all reverse directories
  • Avoid using your middle initial as it can help identify from a list of people with your name
  • Don't put your name on the list of tenants on the front of the building where you live.
  • Be very protective of your Social Insurance Number as it is a key to much of your personal information
  • Alert the 2 credit bureaus Equifax and Trans Union of your situation, ask them to flag your record to avoid fraudulent access
  • If you are having problems with harassing phone calls put a beep tone on your line so callers think they are being recorded. Use an answering machine to screen your calls and put a bluff message on your machine that warns callers of possible taping or monitoring
  • Change your e-mail address
  • Consider getting professional counselling and/or seek help from a victims support group. They can help you deal with fear, anxiety and depression

Incident and Behaviour Log

  • A stalking log should be used to record and document all related behaviours including harassing phone calls, letters, e-mails, vandalism and threats communicated directly or through 3rd parties.
  • When reporting incidents to law enforcement, always write down the officer's name and badge number for your own records. Even if they do not make an arrest you can ask them to do a written report and give you a copy for your records
  • As your log can be introduced as evidence in the future do not include information you do not want the offender to see
  • Do not tell the offender about the log and do not tell others where it is kept
  • Attach a photo of the offender, any restraining orders, police reports and other relevant documents

Final Tips

  • For your own protection, get a car phone and/or beeper. Carry a digital or video camera. Never verify anything over the phone especially your address or personal information

Adapted from the American National Center for Victims of Crime and the American National Domestic Violence Hotline