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What to do if your ex-husband keeps stalking you after a divorce?

Are you someone who is either separated or divorced? If yes, you’ll most likely be a potential victim of stalking. According to reports and researches by Justice.gov, within a time period of 12 months, about 14 of 1000 persons under the age of 18 years, are subject to stalking. The chances of being stalked are higher during a divorce and after a divorce is completed. This happens, even more, when there is domestic abuse in the relationship. 

If your ex-spouse is stalking you, you would initially try to give time to mend matters. In fact, there are many men and women who make the blunder of thinking that time will take care of everything. But things don’t go as planned. Stalking after divorce can get grave and the victim might even have to look for legal help. There are ace firms like https://www.ctfamilylaw.com that can help you with the best lawyers for handling such issues. Keep reading to know more about dealing with stalking after a divorce. 

How to identify whether or not your ex-spouse is stalking you

When the man stalking you has once been close with you, as your ex-husband, it can be tricky to understand when his behavior slips from frustration to harassment. It goes without mentioning that stalking is a type of harassment and if you notice even the smallest signs, you should act on it immediately. Here are few signs to be wary of:

  • Your ex-husband follows you wherever you go
  • He makes it a habit to drive by your house on a regular basis
  • You find him coming up in your favorite coffee shops, restaurants, or at the other places which you used to visit regularly
  • You get repeated text messages or letters or emails from your ex-husband
  • Your ex-husband calls you too often even after being reprimanded
  • You get to know that your ex is trying to gather details about you
  • Your ex begins to stalk you online
  • Your ex posts personal details about you on social media or spreads rumors

Dos and don’ts when your ex-husband stalks you after divorce

DOS

  • Initially, try to talk to him and tell him how much he is disturbing you and that he should stop following you. Be polite and gentle while giving him this reminder lest things get worse. It’s tough to guess what might enrage a stalker.
  • Take a break from social media. Stalkers find it extremely easy to stalk online as everything is easily accessible on social networking sites. So, deactivate your accounts for a while and make it tough for him. 
  • In case your ex-husband threatens you or hurts you physically, get a restraining order. While filing for a restraining order, you’ll require giving proof of stalking. Hence, gather enough proof when you have time. 

DON’TS

  • Never come to terms with or normalize the stalking behavior of your ex-husband. Even though your ex wasn’t a violent person before, now that he is a stalker, he may become violent without your knowledge. So, be aware.
  • Don’t even try to be your ex’s counselor as that won’t work. Instead, you should try your best to protect yourself. Although you may feel sorry for him and try to help him out, yet, now that he is stalking you, you have to accept the fact that this is not the right time to extend a helping hand. 
  • Don’t blame yourself for everything that is happening with you. Even if you were the one to end the marriage, there’s nothing that should make you blame yourself. Don’t torture yourself as this is none of your faults. 

Lastly, when you are subject to stalking, try to be aware of everything that is happening around you. Change your passwords routinely and ask someone to accompany you to the police, if you need to. Stay updated with the stalking laws of your state. 

Kai Alana

The author Kai Alana