~ What is Criminal Harassment ~ Post 4 Your Safety

Post 4

Criminal Harassment

Your Safety

Ways to Increase Your Personal Safety
Some of the following tips apply if a stranger is stalking you, others if an ex-partner is bothering you. You should not use this information in place of seeking police assistance.

Tell others

~ Tell your supervisor and co-workers. Your workplace may have programs to help deal with harassment. They may be able to screen calls or prevent delivery of unwanted parcels or mail. ~ Ask them never to give out your personal information. Tell your child's school or day care, and give them copies of any orders that prohibit the non-custodial parent from contacting the child. If a stranger is stalking you, provide a description of the person, the car, the licence plates and so on

~ Let all of these people know if you have a court order or peace bond and what conditions apply.

Be sure family and friends know what is happening. Ask them to keep written records and to let you know if the person contacts them.

Keep personal information private

• Do not use your social insurance number except for banking and income tax forms. It could help someone track you down.
• Remove personal details from things you throw out or recycle. At work, remove your nameplate and other personal information, if possible.

Take your name off your mailbox or consider getting a post office box.

Be safe on the telephone

• Consider an unlisted phone number.
• Carry a cell phone for emergency calls.
• Tell your telephone company about your situation. Ask about tracing calls and security and privacy features like blocking personal information from call displays.

Never agree to meet the person who is harassing you.

• Practise Internet safety
• Be careful about posting personal or private information.
• Check the harassment policies of your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Do not use your full name for your user ID, and change your password often.
• Report harassing e-mail or chat room abuse to your ISP. If you know the ISP of the person, tell that ISP too. They can cut off the person's account if it is being used to harass others. Ask about tools to block unwanted communication.
• Do a Web search on cyberstalking. You will find many sites with tips and information. Some can help track down harassers, document their origin and send reports to you or the police.
• Do a home security check
• Ask the police to help you do a home security check.
• Be sure your windows and doors are always locked and use deadbolts.
• Change your locks if the person is an ex-partner.
• Consider security features like motion detectors and an alarm system.

• Always be alert and have a plan
• Always think about your safety.
• Ask the court for a copy of any restrictions in a court order.
• If possible, do not walk alone and stay on well-lit streets.
• If you are being followed on foot, go somewhere safe (like the nearest store) and call for help.
• Always look around and be aware of what is happening.
• Keep paper and pen on you at all times so you can write down a licence number or other details.
• Sit near others when travelling on a bus or subway, and try not to arrive at your stop early. If you do have to wait around, stay in well-lit areas.
• When travelling in your car, always lock the doors. Plan alternative routes and know how to get to the police or fire station.
• If you are being followed in a car, drive somewhere safe and honk until someone comes to help you.
• Change the route you travel to work or home often.
• Make an emergency escape plan. Keep a packed bag and some money in your car or workplace. Let your family know about your plan.

Getting Information, Help and Support

• Information about your case
• Check the status of your case by contacting the police.
• Be sure to use the police file number assigned to your case.
• Stay in touch with the police, victim services and the Crown prosecutor and let them know of any changes to your address or telephone number.
• Community Resource ListCreate your personal community resource list. In addition to the police, there are a variety of organizations that can offer support or helpful information. Look in the white, yellow or blue pages of your telephone book for contact numbers for the following local or provincial agencies:

Helpful Resource
Police

Can help you assess your safety and take action against someone committing a crime.

Public Legal Education and Information

Can share general information about the law, the legal system and your rights.

Victim Services

Can refer you to counselling and tell you about programs and services for victims of crime.

Crisis Line

May be able to help with crisis intervention and refer you to helpful services.

Transition House

Can provide shelter, information and referrals for women who are stalked by partners or ex-partners.

Mental Health Office

Can offer information or counselling on depression, stress and mental health issues.

People you trust

Family, friends, doctor, or religious adviser may be able to offer emotional support.

Other

Look for other resources. You may be able to get help from a local women's centre, a sexual assault centre, a gay/lesbian support group, and so on.

FOR MORE INFORMATION... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL WOMEN SHELTER OR RCMP OFFICE.

OR CALL COLLECT AT

250 996 8000