Local Resource: Filing a Protection Order
What is Stalking?
Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate, and prosecute. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime but a series of acts, a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause that person fear. The term “course of conduct” means two (2) or more incidents.
Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate, and prosecute. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime but a series of acts, a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause that person fear. The term “course of conduct” means two (2) or more incidents.
| are_you_being_stalked.pdf |
Where Can I Begin?
Maintain a stalking incident and behavior log.
If you are a victim of stalking, it can be critical to maintain a log of stalking related incidents and behavior, especially if you choose to engage with the criminal or civil justice systems. Recording this information will help to document the behavior for protection order applications, or criminal prosecution. It can also help preserve your memory of individual incidents about which you might later report or testify.
What Should I Document?
The stalking log should be used to record and document all stalking related behavior, including harassing phone calls, text messages, letters, e-mail messages, acts of vandalism, and threats communicated through third parties. When reporting the incidents to law enforcement, always write down the officer's name or badge number for your own records. Even if the officers do not make an arrest, you can ask to make a written report and request a copy for your records.
Keep the log in a safe place and tell only someone you trust where you keep your log.
Important note: Since this information could potentially be introduced as evidence or inadvertently shared with the stalker at a future time, do not include any information that you do not want the offender to read.
How Do I File?
Documenting stalking behavior can be a difficult and emotionally exhausting task. You may process an application on your own, or request to speak with an advocate who can provide support, and information about the options available to you.
If the perpetrator is a current or past significant other you may contact the Council on Domestic Abuse to request assistance with the protection order as they have additional resources to offer. Their legal advocates can be reached at 812-238-9577.
Regarding all other affiliations such as a family member, acquaintance, or stranger, we encourage you to contact us at 812-462-3319, or visit at 33 South Third Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807.
*Applications are located within our office and county court offices.
Maintain a stalking incident and behavior log.
If you are a victim of stalking, it can be critical to maintain a log of stalking related incidents and behavior, especially if you choose to engage with the criminal or civil justice systems. Recording this information will help to document the behavior for protection order applications, or criminal prosecution. It can also help preserve your memory of individual incidents about which you might later report or testify.
What Should I Document?
The stalking log should be used to record and document all stalking related behavior, including harassing phone calls, text messages, letters, e-mail messages, acts of vandalism, and threats communicated through third parties. When reporting the incidents to law enforcement, always write down the officer's name or badge number for your own records. Even if the officers do not make an arrest, you can ask to make a written report and request a copy for your records.
Keep the log in a safe place and tell only someone you trust where you keep your log.
Important note: Since this information could potentially be introduced as evidence or inadvertently shared with the stalker at a future time, do not include any information that you do not want the offender to read.
How Do I File?
Documenting stalking behavior can be a difficult and emotionally exhausting task. You may process an application on your own, or request to speak with an advocate who can provide support, and information about the options available to you.
If the perpetrator is a current or past significant other you may contact the Council on Domestic Abuse to request assistance with the protection order as they have additional resources to offer. Their legal advocates can be reached at 812-238-9577.
Regarding all other affiliations such as a family member, acquaintance, or stranger, we encourage you to contact us at 812-462-3319, or visit at 33 South Third Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807.
*Applications are located within our office and county court offices.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: In order to file a case, you must have the Respondent’s (perpetrator's) correct name. In order to assist law enforcement in enforcing the Order for Protection you should have the Respondent’s date of birth and/or Social Security number and current address. The Respondent’s current address may also be necessary for the Court to grant certain forms of other relief.
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