How to Deal with a Stalker

When I was 15 years old I was stalked by a man who was a few years older than me. As I walked to school, he would wait for me behind some trees in the park that I had to cross and he would follow me to the end of the park. He stopped before I reached the school grounds and would make comments about me that were inappropriate. At the time, I did not know what to do and after a while I wondered whether he would ever take it further and try to harm me. It was not easy to take a different route, as the other direction did not have a good footpath and it took longer to get to school. I did what I could and just tried to stay calm and ignore him. How could I be sure that he did not have a concealed weapon? I could not be sure, so I stayed low key about the events. Sometimes he would walk away and it was a relief when he did. I started to wise up to him and walked to school with at least one friend after a while, so that there was safety in numbers. After a while, he gave up and I never saw him again. I did not tell my parents or the police anything about the man. Looking back, I now realize that he was a sexual predator, as he made made sexual offers to me, but did northing to me. His speech revealed that he had it in him though. Looking back, I regret that I did not report him. I just hope he did not harm anyone. For anyone else out there, child or adult, who is being stalked I would suggest the following course of action:

How to deal with a stalker #1 Find a different way of getting to school or work

If you are too young to drive and do not ride the school bus each day, find another way of getting to school. Ask your parents to drop you off and pick you up, if they can or ride your bike. Alternatively, team up with a friend and get a ride in with them. Just do not isolate yourself on the way to and from school. The same goes for adults who need to get to work. Do not walk by the same place each day. Alternate your route, or drive and park your vehicle closer to work.

How to deal with a stalker #2 Team up with a friend

A stalker is less likely to strike if he or she sees you with a friend. They delight in causing you discomfort when you are alone. That gives them power. But if you are with a friend, they are more likely to leave you alone. Don't think of it as your friend holding your hand, as if you are an infant. It is a safety measure that works effectively.

How to deal with a stalker #3 Tell your friends or parents!

Do not keep the events to yourself. I told some friends of what was happening to me and that is when I received their help. You should do the same. Do not feel ashamed to admit what has happened. It does not mean you are weak or that you brought it all on yourself. What if the stalker decides to abduct, rape or kill you? Some stalkers will not be satisfied with mere intimidation or talk, as mine was. They will take it further. You can stop this from happening if you tell others of what is happening to you.

How to deal with a stalker #4 Report the stalker to the police

The police take reports of stalking seriously. Their first thought will be your welfare. So they are going to investigate what you have said and will try to help you. They may even stage an event so that they can trap the stalker and then make an arrest. Co-operate with the police. You will not only be protecting yourself, but any other children or adults who could come into the stalker's path.

If you have ever been stalked, you will know that stalking is not a pleasant experience. It can happen to anybody, young or old. But if you are aware of what is going on and are determined to stop it, you can. Let the your family, friends and the police protect you. A restraining order can be put in place, perhaps even imprisonment for persistent offenders. Do not suffer alone. Everyone deserves to be able to walk the streets without having to fear for their safety.