top of page
Search

What If You’re Stalked? What We’ve Learned the Hard Way

ree

⚠️ If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (U.S. & Canada) or your local emergency number right now.


This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional, legal, or medical advice.


A Fierce Story


This isn’t just theory—we’ve lived it. One of our Be Fierce Pack members went through the nightmare of being stalked. It started with an ex-boyfriend she hadn’t seen in years. He tracked her down.


The first sign? A rock hurled through her car windshield. Then came the attack. He ambushed her, leaving her with stitches and a dislocated knee.


Her story is proof that stalking is not a far-off “what if.” It’s real. It’s terrifying. And it can happen to anyone.


That’s why we’re sharing what we’ve learned the hard way—because the more you know, the more power you have to protect yourself.


What Stalking Is


Stalking is a crime. It’s a pattern of unwanted, repeated behavior that causes fear or distress. A stalker may be a stranger, but most often it’s someone you already know—an ex, a former friend, or even an acquaintance.


Stalking can include:

  • Persistent unwanted contact: repeated calls, texts, DMs, emails.

  • Following or showing up at your home, school, or work.

  • Sending unwanted gifts or leaving items for you.

  • Damaging your property.

  • Using technology to track or spy on you (cyberstalking).

  • Trying to get information about you through friends, family, or coworkers.

  • Threatening you, your loved ones, or your pets.


👉 If you’re experiencing any of these behaviors, it’s not your fault—and it’s not “just annoying.” Stalking is dangerous, and it deserves to be taken seriously.


First Thing To Do

If you believe you are being stalked and feel unsafe, call the police immediately. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.


Next Steps You Can Take

Here’s what we’ve learned the hard way about protecting yourself if you’re being stalked:


  1. Document Everything

    • Keep a detailed log of every unwanted contact or encounter.

    • Save texts, emails, screenshots, voicemails, and photos of any damage.

    • Write down dates, times, locations, and what happened.


  2. Alert Others

    • Tell trusted friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.

    • Share a description or photo of the stalker if you have one.

    • Ask them not to share your personal info with anyone.


  3. Strengthen Your Privacy & Safety

    • Lock down your social media accounts and turn off location-sharing.

    • Use strong, unique passwords and consider a new phone/email for essentials.

    • Change routines when possible—routes, schedules, daily habits.

    • Keep your phone charged and identify safe places you can go quickly.


  4. Seek Legal Protection

    • File a police report for every incident—it shows a pattern.

    • You may need to go to court to request a restraining or protection order. This can feel intimidating, but it’s often a necessary step.

    • Victim advocates can guide you through the process and provide court accompaniment—someone physically sitting beside you in the hearing.


  5. Use Support Services

    • Call 211 (U.S. & Canada): Connects you 24/7 with local services like shelters, advocates, and legal help.

    • Contact a victim advocate program for free safety planning, court support, and emotional guidance.

    • Explore state victim’s compensation funds—they may help cover medical bills, counseling, or lost wages.


Taking Care of Yourself


Being stalked can leave you anxious, hyper-alert, or exhausted. That’s normal.

  • Reach out to a counselor or trauma-informed therapist.

  • Use calming practices like grounding exercises or journaling.

  • Celebrate small wins—every step you take is an act of courage.


Resources


The Fierce Truth


Being stalked is never your fault. Freezing doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human. And while you can’t control someone else’s actions, you can take steps to protect yourself, get support, and reclaim your safety.


You are not overreacting.You are not alone.And you deserve safety, always.


And here’s the reality: we don’t know where our Pack member's particular stalking story ends. The stalker is in jail now, but he won’t be there forever. That’s why self-defense isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a forever thing.


When we identify a risk, we make plans. We train. We stay ready. Because self-defense isn’t just about one fight—it’s about protecting our peace and our future.


That’s why, at Be Fierce, we believe self-defense is everything.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page