Stalking Awareness & Prevention Techniques: Recognize, Respond, and Reclaim Your Safety

By the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense | cvpsd.org

Stalking is a serious and often misunderstood form of harassment that can escalate into violence if not addressed early and effectively. Whether it takes the form of unwanted attention in-person or through digital channels, stalking can leave victims feeling trapped, anxious, and unsafe.

At the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD), we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention. Here’s how you can recognize the warning signs, set clear boundaries, and take action to protect yourself or someone you care about.

Warning Signs of Stalking Behavior

Stalking doesn’t always look like the movies. It can be subtle, persistent, and deeply invasive. Whether physical or digital, some common red flags include:

In-Person Stalking:

Repeatedly showing up at your workplace, home, gym, or other known locations
Following you or “accidentally” running into you frequently
Leaving unwanted gifts, notes, or items
Monitoring your schedule or attempting to track your movements
Asking friends or coworkers about you without your consent

Digital Stalking (Cyberstalking):

Constant texting, emailing, or messaging especially after being told to stop
Monitoring your social media accounts or tagging you excessively
Hacking or attempting to gain access to your email, accounts, or devices
Using GPS trackers or location-sharing apps without permission
Creating fake accounts to monitor or harass you anonymously

Boundary Setting & Documentation

Clear boundaries are not only a defense they’re a declaration of your right to feel safe.

Set Boundaries Clearly:

Tell the person directly (if safe): “Do not contact me again in any way.”
Avoid back-and-forth or emotional engagement, which can escalate the behavior.
Use clear, firm language not explanations, negotiations, or apologies.

Document Everything:

Save texts, emails, voicemails, and screenshots of all communication.
Keep a stalking incident log: dates, times, locations, what occurred, and any witnesses.
Report incidents to your employer, school, or building management if relevant.
Secure your devices with passwords, two-factor authentication, and antivirus software.
Documentation becomes crucial if and when you need legal protection or want to involve authorities.

Safety Planning & When to Involve Authorities

You don’t need to wait until a situation becomes physically dangerous to seek help.

Create a Safety Plan:

Vary your daily routines and avoid predictable travel routes.
Share your situation with trusted friends or coworkers and ask them to keep an eye out.
Secure your home: lock doors and windows, install motion lights or security cameras.
Plan escape routes from your home or workplace.
Inform security or HR if stalking occurs on work premises.

Involve Authorities When:

The stalking behavior continues after you’ve told the person to stop.

You feel unsafe, threatened, or believe you’re being watched or followed.
The stalker shows up in person or leaves unwanted gifts.
You’ve collected enough evidence to file a police report or seek a restraining order.

Most states have anti-stalking laws even if the stalker hasn’t physically harmed you, law enforcement can often act on repeated harassment, threats, or unwanted contact.

App & Tech Solutions

There are powerful tools that can enhance your digital safety and help you feel more in control.

Safety Apps:

Noonlight – Sends your location to emergency services silently if you’re in danger.
Circle of 6 – Lets you alert a trusted group with pre-set messages and location.
bSafe – Live streaming, fake calls, and SOS features for real-time emergencies.

Digital Privacy Tips:

Turn off location sharing on social media and messaging apps.
Avoid “checking in” or posting your real-time location publicly.
Regularly update your passwords and security settings.
Run antivirus and anti-tracking scans on your devices.
Review and disable unnecessary app permissions, especially those with access to your microphone, camera, or contacts.

If you or someone you know is being stalked, remember this: you are not overreacting. Trust your instincts. It’s better to document early, act decisively, and get support than to second-guess yourself.

Stalking is about power and control but education, awareness, and planning can help you reclaim both.

Violence Prevention and Self Defense Resources

The goal of the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense is to stop violence by educating at-risk people and empower them with the skills needed to protect themselves both online and live training. CVPSD's live training is available to people of all ages.

Through workshops and seminars we educate participants about violence prevention and guide them on assessing risk factors while establishing boundaries in relationships. Additionally practical self defense classes equip people with hands on skills and effective strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of assault.