What to Do If Your Stalker Violates a Restraining Order

Unfortunately, the old adage that police can't do much until someone dies is often true. Stalkers are an issue that plagues thousands of Americans on a daily basis, and restraining orders can only go so far to protect the innocent. If you have taken out a restraining order against a stalker, don't fall victim to a false sense of security. Stalkers violate their restraining orders all the time, and you need to have a plan of action.

First, you should pay careful attention to your surroundings if you've been dealing with a stalker situation. Let the restraining order stand, but keep an eye out for the person who has been harassing you. This doesn't mean that you should allow paranoia to take over your life, or that you should avoid public events just because he might be there, but it helps to keep a vigilant watch on your environment at all times.

If you see your stalker near your home or work in spite of the restraining order, your best bet is to call the police immediately. You can carry a digital or disposable camera with you and take a picture of the sighting, but only if you feel comfortable that you aren't in any danger. If you feel that your stalker poses a threat to you or your loved ones, get out of the situation immediately and call for help.

When the police arrive, show them a copy of your restraining order and explain that your stalker has just violated it. Give a description of the person in question so they know who they're looking for, and explain that you want to press charges for his or her crimes. If the person is still in the vicinity, the police should have no trouble making an arrest, but expect it to take a while if the criminal has already fled the scene.

Until you know that your stalker is safely behind bars, it will help if you stay with a friend or loved one until he or she is caught. It's already been proven that a restraining order is insufficient to keep him or her away, so please don't take any chances by making yourself available. An arraignment will be scheduled as soon as your stalker is apprehended by the police, at which point the judge will make a decision about bail or remand.