Stalking Documentation and Safety Tools for Victims

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, and the United States Department of Justice provides information for victims and survivors seeking help. Stalking is a serious offense and can be terrifying. If you are being stalked, support is available. The steps below focus on safer documentation, trusted check-ins, and official resources.

First, if you are in fear for your life, the first thing you should do is let your core family and friends know you are being stalked. This way your family will pay extra attention to you when you come and go. If you plan to meet someone new, be sure to tell one of your trusted friends or family so they will be aware of where you are as the day goes on. Pick a check-in time and call them just to let them know you are okay. Use a tracking app like google share to provide an up-to-date account of your location. If you have an android visit Google Location Sharing for help on how to set up your phone. For iPhones visit Apple Support.

Documentation can help establish patterns and may support a future report, protective order, or prosecution. With the help of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, DocuSAFE was created for survivors and victims of stalking, abuse, and harassment to document incidents as they happen. Forensic Darkness aims to promote safety and raise awareness without encouraging confrontation.

If you encounter your stalker while in public or online use the DocuSAFE App to help you log events. Everything your stalker does may be evidence you can use to see they are prosecuted. The DocuSAFE app is free and can be used to gather, keep and share evidence of stalking and harassment. The DocuSAFE app will allow you to keep track of videos, photos, screenshots, and other messages. 

If a stalker is targeting you online, this kind of documentation can help preserve threatening messages, fake profiles, account names, screenshots, and dates. You do not have to navigate this alone; victim advocates, attorneys, and law enforcement can help you decide what to preserve and when to report. 

If you hire a legal counsel, be sure to check with your lawyer about what type of evidence is acceptable in court; while at the same time being sure to document even the smallest detail as it happens. Write it down, even if the incident seems unimportant, such as a missed phone call because this information may be used to show similar patterns or escalation of abuse. Further, it is important that you do not confront your stalker or egg them on in any way because to do so could be disastrous. 

Women, men, and people of all backgrounds can be stalked. Stay alert, keep trusted people informed, and prioritize safety over direct confrontation. Forensic Darkness aims to raise awareness and help support victims and their families during difficult times. You deserve safety, support, and access to credible resources.