In certain situations, you may feel that someone is following you as you walk or drive home. In that situation, you must be enveloped in fear or panic. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself from being hurt or robbed by the stalker. By determining if he's following you, taking steps to clear his tracks in the crowd, and preventing injury or injury to yourself, you'll be better equipped to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Seeking Help
Step 1. Call the police immediately
Use a cell phone to call emergency services. If you don't have a cell phone, go somewhere (eg a coffee shop or restaurant), tell the employee on duty that you are being followed, and ask if you can use the phone to call the police. If the employee won't let you call yourself, ask him to call the police.
- Tell the police that someone is stalking you and that you are afraid.
- Provide as much information as possible about the stalker.
- Tell me your specific location.
- Follow directions from the police.
Step 2. Call a friend
Call or text a friend who may be nearby. Make plans to meet up with friends as soon as possible. When you're with friends, you can get the stalker to unfollow you. Plus, friends will make you feel good and help protect you.
- Ask friends to meet you in a public place, such as a street, bar, or restaurant.
- Ask a friend to pick you up as soon as possible in a public place.
Step 3. Shout or honk
If you feel threatened, scream or honk. This action will draw the attention of those around you to you. By honking the horn or simply shouting "Help!", you can scare the stalker off and get someone else to help.
- If you're in a car, try honking the horn and turning on the emergency lights. This helps alert nearby people and emergency services that you need help.
- Keep in mind that while you can let others know you're in danger, your honking or screaming can irritate the stalker and encourage him to hurt you.
Method 2 of 3: Escape
Step 1. Stay calm
Take a deep breath and don't panic. Remember to think rationally in order to get out of the situation. If necessary, slowly count to 10 in your head. Panic only pushes you to make hasty decisions that can actually hurt you.
Step 2. Don't go home
Whatever you do, don't come home if you feel someone is following you. The stalker may take advantage of the opportunity to corner you while trying to break into the house. In addition, he can also come back and try to break through the door/window to get in. The point is, don't go home until you're absolutely sure that he's no longer following.
Go to public places, and don't go home
Step 3. Cross the street or turn
Use the first safe opportunity to cross the road or turn. This will make it difficult for the stalker to follow you. If you're lucky, it will lose track of you around buildings, crowds, or behind other cars.
If you can't escape, turn again. Keep turning until you think he's lost track
Step 4. Stop as often as needed in unexpected places
If he's still following you after you cross the street or turn a corner, try to lose track of him by stopping several times in unexpected places. Don't choose the usual route to get home and make your return route as complicated as possible.
- Stop somewhere for coffee or some other soft drink.
- Visit a friend who is working in his office.
- Shop at large supermarkets.
Step 5. Visit a place where a lot of people go
By driving or walking to places where a lot of people go, you can lose track of yourself. Also, the stalker can't hurt or rob you in public.
- Choose a road with a lot of pedestrians or with high vehicular traffic.
- Try going to a food court, convenience store, or entertainment event.
Step 6. Run or drive fast
As a last resort, you need to run or drive fast. By moving quickly, you can clear your tracks and escape after failing before. When planning an escape:
- Do not "bridle" yourself between other cars. For example, at an intersection, don't stop so close to another vehicle that the bumper is close to the other car in front. Leave room so you can overtake other cars in front.
- Do not go through corridors, alleys, or streets with one or two entrances/exits. The more open the path, the easier it will be for you to escape and save yourself.
Method 3 of 3: Protecting Yourself When Faced With a Stalker Head-on
Step 1. Give him money and/or other valuables
If various attempts to escape fail and he catches or corners you, give him money or valuables so he doesn't hurt you. The best-case scenario is that the stalker only wants money or valuables, and has no intention of hurting you. Don't put yourself in danger to save money or jewelry.
Step 2. Learn martial arts
Take self-defense classes. In these classes, coaches will teach you how to protect yourself from attackers. After learning self-defense, you can determine whether you need to protect yourself or give the attacker valuables.
- Some of the movements commonly taught in martial arts are kicking the attacker in the groin, hitting him in the face with an open hand, or parrying the attack with the arm and hitting back.
- Keep in mind that physical self-protection can increase the risk of being injured during a robbery or other assault.
Step 3. Follow the prompts
Listen to his orders and don't talk too much. Do what he asks. This is important to remember, especially if the assailant threatens you with a weapon such as a knife or gun. Usually, the assailant won't hurt you as long as you're willing to "co-operate."
- Don't try to take the gun if the assailant is carrying it.
- Try to show fear and don't fight it.
Tips
- Only carry weapons that are legally permitted.
- Carry a hat and coat in a bag. If you feel followed, try going to the toilet and wearing both. This will make the stalker feel confused and think that you are someone else.
