Stalking Information
Stalking behavior can include:
■ Threatening (verbally, in writing or by any other
means of communication) to harm or kill the victim or the victim’s family, friends or pets
■ Repeatedly following the victim to his/her home, job,
gym, school or other places
■ Repeatedly calling the victim at home or at work
■ Repeatedly sending the victim unwanted letters, faxes, e-mails, text messages or voice mails
- Sending the victim unwanted gifts or items, including
menacing things such as dead flowers, torn-up photos,
disfigured dolls or dead animals - Repeatedly waiting outside the victim’s home or
workplace for no legitimate reason - Showing up uninvited at places or events where the
victim is present - Vandalizing or breaking into the victim’s car, home or
other property - Stealing the victim’s mail or monitorfng the victim’s
voice mail ore-mail messages - Utilizing online information sources or electronic
devices such as GPS (Global Positioning System)
equipment to track or monitor the victim’s activities - Posting harassing information about the victim on the
Internet, in chat rooms or other public places - Save all e-mails, voice mails or other evidence of
harassment. Keep any cards, letters, notes, gifts or items
the stalker leaves for you. - ■ Keep a detailed record of all calls, contacts, threats
and incidents involving the stalker. Document the names
of any witnesses to these incidents. Write down the times,
dates, locations and specifics of each incident.- Tell trusted family members, neighbors, friends and
co-workers if you are being stalked so they can be on
the lookout for the stalker and know not to give out any
information about you or your whereabouts if contacted by
the stalker. - Screen telephone calls with an answering machine
or obtain caller ID and call blocking from your telephone
service provider. Only answer calls if you recognize the
caller’s name or number and wish to speak with him/her. - Protect your address and personal information. If
necessary, obtain a post office box to receive your mail.
Be cautious when using Internet social networking sites
and chat rooms. Change your e-mail address and any
passwords the stalker might know.- if the stalker has a key to your residence, change your
locks, add extra deadbolts or get an alarm system to secure
your home.
■ Vary your driving routes and routines if possible to
avoid being followed. - Tell trusted family members, neighbors, friends and
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S
Victim-Witness
assistance program
1-800-380-3811
Victims of violence or threats of violence with police reports on file may be eligible to receive compensation for
qualifying losses and expenses related to the crime such as loss of wages and relocation, medical and counseling
expenses. Staff members are available to assist victims in several languages.
The District Attorney’s Stalking and Threat Assessment Team has a specially assigned victim services, representative to assist with referrals and questions related
Peace Over Violence Stalking Hotline
1-877-633-0044
los Angeles County Superior Court
{for restraining orders)
213-974-5587 or 213-974-5588
The District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance
Program is available in courthouses and police stations
throughout the county to assist crime victims who suffered
injury or were threatened with injury. Victim services
representatives provide assistance and resources to help
keep victims safe and counseling referrals to address the
trauma of stalking victimization.
In addition to helping victims obtain restitution,
victim services representatives provide crisis-intervention
services and necessary referrals to crime victims and
their families; assist in securing protective orders; guide
crime victims through the court process; help arrange
emergency shelter, food and clothing; and assist in
filing for compensation through the California Victim
Compensation Program.
■ Call 911 if you believe you are in immediate danger, or,
if possible, go directly to a safe place such as a police or fire
station, if someone is following you, don’t go home alone.
Go to a public place and get help.
■ Report the crime to police as soon as you believe you
are being stalked.
- Get a restraining order. It’s free, and there are people
to help you with the process. Call the Los Angeles County
Superior Court at 213-974-5587 or 213-974-5588. Carry a
copy of your restraining order with you at all times.
Contact a hotline, such as those listed in this
pamphlet, and seek advice.
Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-978-3600
