Followed Once?
Some states have specific laws that prohibit street harassers from following you the first time it happens, usually under their general harassment law.
* These states are: Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Pennsylvania
Followed at Least Twice?
Every other state prohibits someone from following you at least twice (a “course of conduct”) under a stalking or harassment law. There are many victim advocacy groups and organizations that address stalking and you can contact one of them, or local law enforcement office to get help.
You Can Always Call 911
Regardless of your state’s law, however, you can always call 911 if you think someone is following you (no matter if it’s the first time or the fifth time) and you are afraid or feel unsafe..
* Use your cell phone (if you have one) to call 911 or ask a passerby, a neighbor, or someone in a nearby business to call for you.
* If the harasser can see or hear you, knowing that you’re calling for help may be enough to deter him or her.
* Even if s/he flees, you can give the police a description of his or her behavior and physical appearance. You may be preventing a future crime.
Following is usually addressed in the harassment, disorderly conduct, or stalking laws of each state.
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