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.
   
9. Don’t be ashamed and think you caused this somehow. Instead, tell everyone you know that you’re being stalked, from neighbors and co-workers to classmates, so that when the stalker approaches them for information about you, they will be alerted not to divulge anything and will let you know that he’s been around.