The stalker in our illustrative case was sentenced to 4 years in prison (2017–2021). Upon release, he was prohibited from contacting the victim or coming within 500 feet of her home — a restriction that expires in 2028.

The victim, now in her 40s, speaks anonymously on support forums. She still flinches at unexpected knocks. She still changes her license plate every two years. But she has returned to work, rebuilt friendships, and volunteers with stalking survivors.

Her advice: “Don’t wait for ‘proof’ that it’s serious. The first time they make you afraid, it’s serious.”

If you already have a protective order (or even if you don’t), the existence of case 2013-72018 is powerful evidence for a judge. It proves a documented history.

Judges and prosecutors take “continuing conduct” more seriously than a single incident. That old case number is your proof of a pattern.

Some stalkers file false police reports or restraining orders against the victim to create a "mutual" conflict. This was a shock tactic in 2013 that still works today.

Red flag: You are contacted by police about a complaint you never filed.

Many survivors assume that once a report number is assigned, the system will protect them automatically. That is rarely true. Here is your script for calling the agency that issued 2013-72018:

“Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I have an existing report, case number 2013-72018. I am still being harassed by the same person. I need to speak with the assigned detective or a supervisor to provide a supplemental report. Can you tell me if this case is still active, and if not, how I file a new incident linked to the old number?”

Pro tip: If they say “the detective left” or “that case is closed,” ask for a “case reactivation request” or a “new report with cross-reference to 2013-72018.”

Stalking is not merely “annoying behavior.” Legally, it is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention, harassment, or contact that causes a reasonable person to feel fear. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (2015), approximately 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men experience stalking in their lifetimes.

Key behaviors include:

In our illustrative Case 72018 (filed in a state court in 2013, with appeals extending into 2018), the victim — a 34-year-old librarian — reported over 200 incidents in 18 months: GPS tracking on her car, fake social media profiles impersonating her, and even a break-in where nothing was stolen but a photo was moved from one room to another. That single act was more chilling than theft.