Issue Area
Stalking & Harassment
What is happening to you has a name. And it is not your fault.
Stalking and harassment are not about love, obsession, or passion. They are about control. If someone's behavior is making you feel watched, afraid, or like you have to change how you live — that is a boundary violation, and you deserve to be safe.
1 in 6
women in the U.S. has experienced stalking in her lifetime
1 in 17
men in the U.S. has experienced stalking in his lifetime
54%
of femicide victims were stalked by their killer in the year before their murder
1 in 4
stalking victims report being stalked through technology
What It Is
Defining stalking and harassment
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted contact or surveillance that causes fear. Harassment is a course of conduct — not a single incident — that is threatening, intimidating, or designed to distress. Both are defined by their impact on you, not by the intent of the person doing it. You do not have to prove they meant to scare you. If you are scared, that matters.
In all 50 U.S. states, stalking is a criminal offense. Harassment laws vary by state but broadly cover repeated unwanted contact, threats, and conduct that causes emotional distress.
Warning Signs
Patterns of escalation
Stalking rarely begins with a threat. It begins with behavior that might feel flattering, confusing, or easy to dismiss. Trust what your body is telling you.
Repeated unwanted contact
Calls, texts, emails, or messages that continue after you have asked them to stop — or after you have stopped responding.
Showing up uninvited
Appearing at your home, workplace, gym, or other locations you frequent — especially after you have not told them where you would be.
Monitoring your movements
Knowing details about your schedule, location, or activities that you did not share with them. This includes tracking apps, shared accounts, or information gathered through others.
Sending unwanted gifts or messages
Gifts, letters, or messages that feel designed to demonstrate access — to show you they know where you are, what you like, or who you spend time with.
Contacting people in your life
Reaching out to your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors — to gather information about you, to damage your reputation, or to isolate you.
Threats — direct or implied
Statements that suggest harm to you, to themselves, or to people you care about. Implied threats — "you'll regret this," "I know where you'll be" — are still threats.
Safety Note
If you suspect your device has been compromised, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline's tech safety team at techsafety.org before making changes — some actions can alert the person monitoring you.
Digital & Online
Cyberstalking is stalking
Technology has expanded the reach of stalkers and harassers. Cyberstalking uses digital tools to monitor, contact, intimidate, or harm — and it is just as serious as in-person stalking. If someone is using technology to make you feel unsafe, that is a violation.
- Tracking apps or spyware installed on your devices without consent
- Monitoring your location through shared accounts, AirTags, or GPS devices
- Hacking or accessing your email, social media, or cloud accounts
- Coordinated harassment campaigns across multiple platforms
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images ("revenge porn")
- Creating fake profiles to contact you or damage your reputation
- Doxxing — publishing your personal information publicly to incite others
Legal Protections
You have rights. Here is where to start.
The law is imperfect — but it offers real tools. Understanding what is available to you is the first step toward using it.
Protective orders (restraining orders)
A civil court order that legally prohibits the person from contacting you, coming near you, or continuing the behavior. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense. You do not need a lawyer to apply, and many courts have advocates who can help you through the process.
Criminal stalking charges
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states. You can report to local law enforcement and request that charges be filed. Document every incident — dates, times, what happened, any witnesses — before you report.
Cyberstalking and harassment laws
Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2261A) criminalizes cyberstalking across state lines. Many states have their own cyberstalking statutes. Non-consensual image sharing is now illegal in most states.
Workplace protections
If the stalking or harassment is connected to your workplace — whether the perpetrator is a coworker or is contacting you at work — your employer has legal obligations. Title VII and state equivalents may apply.
Laws vary significantly by state. A victim advocate or attorney can help you understand what applies in your jurisdiction. Many offer free consultations.
Safety Planning
Steps you can take right now
Safety planning is not about living in fear — it is about making deliberate choices that increase your safety and your options. Every plan is personal. Start where you are.
Document everything
Keep a log of every incident — date, time, what happened, any witnesses, screenshots, voicemails, or messages. Store copies somewhere the person cannot access, like a separate email account or a trusted person's home.
Tell someone you trust
You do not have to handle this alone. Tell a trusted friend, family member, or coworker what is happening. Ask them to be a witness and a support. Isolation is one of the tools stalkers use — connection is one of yours.
Audit your digital footprint
Review who has access to your location, accounts, and devices. Change passwords. Enable two-factor authentication. Check for unfamiliar apps or devices connected to your accounts. Consider a separate, private email address for sensitive communications.
Contact a victim advocate
Victim advocates are trained to help you navigate the legal system, safety planning, and resources — at no cost to you. Your local domestic violence organization, rape crisis center, or district attorney's office can connect you with one.
Consider a protective order
Even if you are not ready to pursue criminal charges, a protective order creates a legal record and gives law enforcement a tool to act if the behavior continues. Violating it is a crime.
Plan for escalation
Know what you will do if the behavior intensifies. Have a go-bag ready if you may need to leave quickly. Identify safe places you can go. Share your plan with someone you trust.
For Bystanders & Allies
If someone you know is being stalked or harassed
You may be the first person they tell. How you respond matters more than you know.
Believe them
Do not minimize what they are describing or suggest they might be misreading the situation. If they are scared, that is real and it is enough.
Do not confront the person doing it
Confronting a stalker or harasser can escalate the situation and put both of you at greater risk. Let trained advocates and law enforcement handle direct contact.
Help them document
Offer to help keep records, store copies of evidence, or be a witness to incidents. Your account may matter if they pursue legal action.
Connect them to resources
Share the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (stalkingawareness.org), and local victim advocacy organizations.
Stay in contact
Isolation is a tool of control. Keep showing up. Check in regularly. Let them know they are not alone.
Resources
You are not alone. Help exists.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential support for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and harassment.
1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
Visit ResourceStalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC)
Research, training, and resources on stalking for survivors, advocates, and professionals.
Visit ResourceCyber Civil Rights Initiative
Support and resources for victims of non-consensual image sharing and online harassment.
1-844-878-2274
Visit ResourceSafety Net / NNEDV Tech Safety
Technology safety resources for survivors, including guidance on device monitoring and digital privacy.
Visit ResourceEvery violation has a name. This one is stalking.
If you are experiencing stalking or harassment, you deserve support, safety, and a path forward. The NO! Initiative is here to help you find it.