If you become the victim of a stalker do not take it lightly. There are some initial precautions you can take:

 1. Notify the Campus Public Safety Department. Even if the problem is not college related they can assist you in

    Reporting the problem to the proper law enforcement agency and in applying for a restraining order. If you already have an order, file a copy with the Department of Public Safety.

2. Document everything. Even if you have decided not to go the legal route, you may change your mind. Keep answering  machine tapes, letters, gifts, etc. Keep a log of drive-bys or any suspicious occurrences.

3. Tell the stalker “no” once and only once, and then never give him/her the satisfaction of a reaction again. The more you respond, the more you teach him/her that his/her actions will elicit a response. This only serves to reinforce the stalking.

4. Have co-workers screen all calls and visitors.

5. Don’t accept packages unless they were personally ordered.

6. Destroy discarded mail.

7. If you think you are being followed in your car drive to the nearest police station, or to a friend’s house, never home.

8. Never be afraid to sound your horn to attract attention.