Should we go to the police?

[Anonymous]

My friend has had an online stalker. She says it is a stalker but it may be harassment. We can fill out a form online, but her anxiety is very bad.

It's been reported, and the person has been blocked, though it is still up. She's getting panic attacks because she'll have to speak to a police officer if she does report it! What do we do, please?

[Oliverlogan263]

Ugh that's a tough situation. On one hand, this stalker creep is giving your friend major anxiety and that's not cool at all. But I can understand why talking to cops would make it even worse with her anxiety. Here's what I would think -

First, definitely keep all the evidence of whatever this stalker is doing. Screenshots, emails, texts, everything. That way if you do end up going to the police you have proof.

Second, is there any way your friend can talk to a counselor or therapist first before the police? Maybe they can help prepare her and give coping strategies for a potential police meeting. It might help calm her nerves some.

Third option is see if the police have any online forms or ways to report without directly talking yet. A lot of places now you can email or submit stuff online first.

Lastly, she definitely shouldn't be alone right now. You guys need to have each other's backs and stay safe in numbers. Keep checking in on her mental health too.

This is a tough call - safety has to come first but don't wanna make the anxiety worse. Talk it through as friends and do whatever helps her feel most comfortable, even if it's not the cops yet. Just don't let the creep get away with it! You've got this.

[exitseven]

The cops are trained to handle this sort of thing. They will be understanding and reassure your friend that they will take steps to keep her safe.

[Asker]

Her boyfriend said the same. I'll tell her to sleep on it

[exitseven]

somebody should accompany her to see the cops.

[Asker]

She can do it online

[exitseven]

Thank you for the MHO😎

[Nikki1989]

Stalking is a form of harassment and illegal. Go to the police.

[BarryLiverstone]

Yes, go to the police asap! I’ve had stalkers and you need to report them at the police quickly. It’s serious and very scary

[Asker]

Not scared, she is more anxious about talking to people!

[BarryLiverstone]

She may feel anxious but she needs to report and it’s dangerous not to

[Asker]

I'll tell her to sleep on it

[BarryLiverstone]

Give her a hug and pray about it. Like I said that’s so scary

[Asker]

Yes 🫂

[DetonatorXF]

What do you mean by stalker in this situation? Is someone threatening her?

[Asker]

Nope just keeping track of what she used to post, on an old deleted account

[Asker]

Apparently, her mannerisms were the same, and that's how they found her new account!

[DetonatorXF]

I could be wrong, but I don't think this is considered a crime

[Asker]

It is where we live, I think

[LiamJHayden]

Report it. This way they will have the report on file and if it escalates it makes it easier to stop the person.

[KrakenAttackin]

Online stalker? Does she know this person?

[Asker]

Nope. Her boyfriend said to report it but I don't think they will do much@

[KrakenAttackin]

How is he "stalking" her online? If you can block him that should be the end of it.

[Asker]

They kept track of her old account and what she said. It was weird

[Asker]

An old, deleted account from over a year ago

[KrakenAttackin]

"They", multiple people? I don't think a crime has been committed unless threats were made.

[Asker]

I think it may be one person. And no threats just stalking ig

[KrakenAttackin]

This isn't a crime.

[Asker]

They kept an archive of stuff. Who knows anymore

[Mansearching]

Yes. Go to police.

[bowenw]

Report it

[Alex8736]

Does the stalker live near them?