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Are You Being Stalked? Tips for Protection

NCJ Number
188549
Date Published
February 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This guide provides information about State and Federal anti-stalking laws and offers suggestions to help stalking victims guard their personal information and reduce the chance that a stalker or harasser will obtain it.
Abstract
The discussion notes that approximately 80 percent of stalking cases involved women being stalked by former intimates. The suggested actions may not be appropriate in every situation and may not resolve serious stalking problems. Recommendations include using a private post office box, filing a change-of-address card with the postal service, obtaining an unpublished and unlisted telephone number, ordering complete blocking for caller ID, and avoiding calling 800, 888, and 900 number services. Other actions included telling people to maintain confidentiality about personal information received, avoiding using the home address for subscriptions or shipments, and being protective of the Social Security Number. Further actions might include maintaining a log of every stalking incident, and considering professional counseling or assistance from a victim support group. Lists of organizational and Internet resources