NILES, Ohio - More than six million people are victims of stalking every year in the United States.
And while most of the cases do not end in murder, it's still a scary and dangerous situation for the victim.
Anyone dealing with a stalker in their life may feel hopeless about it. But there are some things you can do to try to help your situation.
First of all don't try to deal with it alone. "We often talk with victims about letting other people around them know what's happening to the degree that they feel comfortable, so that other people are also looking out for this person and can alert them if the stalker comes around," said Michelle Garcia, Director of the Stalking Resource Center in Washington, DC.
Tell your neighbors and your boss and if you can, give them a picture of your stalker.
Involve police and the courts. Keep any communication; notes, voicemails, e-mails from your stalker so you have plenty of evidence of the crime.
Get a civil protection order.
Call your local police department and ask if they can do random checks of your home.
Be aware of your surroundings and try to vary your routines. "That's a big thing. If you have a civil protection order, not only change your route, but change the time. If you take the children to dance lessons at 7 o'clock, leave at 6 o'clock and change the route to the dance studio. School, work, and things like that," said Judge Beth Smith, Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court.
Also be aware of the information available about you online; your address, phone number, where you work, even if you have kids, it's all accessible online.
And finally, be prepared for the unthinkable, an attack in your own home. "Have an escape route. If you have a civil protection order, get that escape route. How am I going to get out if this person comes back into my home?" Smith said.
Police and courts can only do so much, so it's important victims are ready to protect themselves.
