8 Ways to Take Back Control If You Are Being Stalked
Do you feel like someone is following you? Is their behavior becoming more than an annoyance? We understand what you are feeling right now because we have worked with many clients in this situation. Stalking can make you feel powerless and terrorized, but you are not alone. In a report published by the US Department of Justice, 14 out of every 1000 persons above the age of 18 were victims of stalking during a 12-month observation period. The victim usually knows the identity of their stalker. They may be an ex-spouse, a spurned suitor, or a “secret admirer.” The perpetrators may appear somewhat more frequently in unexpected situations or feel closer to you than is normal for the type of acquaintance or relationship.
To help put your issue with your stalker to rest, you need to learn more about who they are, what they do, and what you can do about it. You also need to understand that the laws protect everybody’s rights because taking action on your own or without fully thinking through your options may lead to more trouble.
What are Signs That Someone Is Stalking You
A stalker could be anyone. They do not belong to a specific gender, race, or social group. Though they are likely someone you already know, some stalkers are obsessed with strangers, especially if you are well-known in your place of work or the community. However, most stalkers share the following characteristics:
They are delusional.
Stalkers believe that you are interested in them. Because of this, your stalkers will not take “no” for an answer. Worst of all, they might see your act of rejecting them as a sign of interest.
They are obsessive.
Stalkers will be persistent in trying to get close to you no matter how you make yourself unreachable. Your stalker will use any and all means necessary to achieve their aims, even if they overstep social norms.
They have above-average intelligence.
Finding the means necessary to get close to you requires above-average intelligence. Even if you happen to catch them sometimes, there may be additional incidents that have gone undetected.
They have low self-esteem.
They tie their self-worth to you. Your stalker finds that being associated with you raises their profile by seeing themselves in the same circle as you.
To get closer to you, stalkers can be creative. There are hundreds of ways they can stalk you. Here are just a few questions you can ask yourself to determine if you have a stalker:
● Are they following you or people who are close to you?
● Do they persistently contact you through social media or e-mail?
● Do they leave threatening messages?
● So they try to call you with no particular purpose?
● Do they track where you go?
● Do they send you unwanted gifts?
● Are they bullying you or people close to you, especially family members?
Please note that stalkers don’t necessarily act in a threatening manner when they stalk you. Sometimes, they appear like “good Samaritans” or show non-obvious signs of stalking. Beware; your stalkers have probably created the situations to get closer to you so they can do these:
● Do they offer services despite being barely acquainted with you?
● Are they asking questions about your activity online despite having just known them?
● Do you notice that you keep “bumping” into them much more frequently than expected?
● Do you notice that they are always there to help you when there are minor inconveniences you need help with or if you are having a string of bad luck?
There Are Eight Ways to Take Back Control When Someone Is Stalking You
Increasing your safety should be your first priority. Keeping all your personal information secure and sharing your situation with trusted people will add a layer of protection from your stalker. Moreover, you also need to understand how the law can protect you. There are qualified professionals who can help you solve your situation permanently.
Share your Situation With Trusted People
Add a layer of protection by discussing this issue with others. You can share your experiences with close family members, trusted friends, the human resource department, or your supervisor. For instance, some companies provide programs to help deal with employees experiencing some form of harassment. Another action is alerting your children’s school security to prohibit strangers from gaining contact with your children. Describe what your stalker looks like or provide a photo if you have one.
Keep your Personal Information Private
Coordinate with your management to keep all your personal information under lock and key. Secure your correspondence or anything that has information on your whereabouts by picking your mail up directly from the mailroom and ensuring that none make it to your trash bin, whether at work or home. (And use a shredder)
Keep Silent on Social Media
Set your profile settings to private. If you can’t do that, you may edit your profile information. Don’t post anything on social media that may indicate your whereabouts. Inquire with your ISP if it is possible to cut your stalker’s account from accessing yours if your stalker is engaged in harassment activities.
Make your Mobile Phone Safer
You may contact your phone company to activate additional security features for your phone. They may block personal information from another caller’s call displays.
Stay Alert and Incorporate Security Plans Into your Routines
Prepare several contingency plans and escape routes if you feel your stalker is on your tail. Do not walk alone if possible. Change your travel routes often to throw off your stalker. Most importantly, find a safe place in case you feel someone is following you and call for help once you are there. Have emergency numbers saved on your phone.
Check your Home Security
Invest in a home security system such as CCTV, burglar alarms, and motion detectors, and ask an expert where it is best to position them. Add deadbolts to your doors and windows, and make sure they are always locked. Use heavy curtains to prevent someone from observing you from outside your home.
Consult an Attorney
You are going to need help from someone who understands the law on stalking and harassment in Los Angeles or in your location. A civil attorney can represent you in court regarding a restraining order or at least help you get acquainted with the law and make recommendations on how to take your next legal steps.
Call a Qualified Private Investigator
Kinsey Investigations can support your restraining order by gathering evidence that will stand up in court. You may also approach us directly to help you track down your stalker. Having more information about your stalker can help us support your safety plans. We can actually do what we call counter surveillance where we follow you, watch you…see if anyone else is doing the same.
With our decades of experience dealing with similar situations successfully for our clients, we can assure you that we can provide the critical information, advice, and support necessary to put your stalking situation to rest.
Conclusion:
Why Kinsey Investigations Is One of Your Best Options When You Suspect That Someone Is Stalking You
There is a fine line between a criminal act and unwanted attention. In fact, until 2012, there were no laws on the books to stop stalkers. Because it is difficult to pinpoint the signs of stalking on your own, you will need qualified help to ensure that you can gather enough information to help put your situation to rest. If you need to stop them, you need to be in the best legal position to do so. Kinsey Investigations has the experience and the knowledge to provide enough lawfully-gathered evidence to support an air-tight case and provide you with peace of mind.
Your case is unique, and you need a reliable private investigator to handle your case with the utmost diligence, competence, and confidentiality. With hundreds of clients throughout the Los Angeles area that we helped with stalking cases, Activity Checks, Infidelity Cases, Domestic & Family Issues, Civil Litigation Support, Surveillance Operations, and other Private Investigator Services, you can rest assured that you will have the best possible support for your unique case. If you believe that someone is stalking you, call us at (310) 613 3755 or get a free case evaluation from us.
