In Pennsylvania, a person commits the crime of stalking when the person either engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts toward or communicates to another person,  under circumstances which demonstrate either an intent to place such other person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person.

 

Stalking behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Following;

• Repeated, unwanted phone calls;

• Sending unwanted gifts or letters;

• Driving by home, school, or work; 

• Excessive text messages;

• Vandalizing property;

• Using technology, like GPS, to monitor you;

• Monitoring phone calls, computer use, etc.;

• Showing up uninvited.

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If you are the victim of stalking, call an advocate at Transitions to create a safety plan.  

 

Safety Tips

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger;

• Keep a journal of the stalking.  Write down the date, time, location, a list of witnesses, and a description of what happened.  This may be helpful to the police;

• Keep a cell phone with you when you aren't at home so that you have a way to call for assistance;

• Treat all threats as if they are legitimate.  Report them to the police;

• Vary your routines so that the stalker may not be able to locate you;

• Do not interact with the person stalking you. Any interaction, even if it is negative, is giving the stalker what he/she wants.

• Depending upon your relationship with the stalker, you may be eligible to file a Protection from Abuse order.