Stalking

If you are in danger right now: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. If the stalker is a partner, ex or family member, the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 can help 24 hours a day.

It can feel like you are always being watched. You check the street before you leave and jump when your phone buzzes. Stalking is not romance or a phase. It is frightening, it is serious and you can get protection.

Staying safe on your phone: if someone may check your phone, read this in a private or incognito tab, clear your browser history afterwards, or use a trusted friend's phone, a work phone or a library computer.

What is happening

Stalking is when someone keeps following, watching, contacting or turning up where you are, and it makes you afraid. It can be an ex-partner, someone from work, a neighbour or a stranger. It often happens online too, through calls, messages, fake accounts or tracking apps.

In South Africa you can get a protection order under the Protection from Harassment Act against anyone, even someone you do not know. You apply at a magistrate's court, and it is free. If you do not know who it is, the court can order phone and internet companies to help identify the person. If the stalker is a partner, ex-partner or relative, you can also use the Domestic Violence Act.

Stalking can get worse, especially after a break-up. Take it seriously even if others say it is harmless.

Signs to notice

• They turn up at your home, work or places you go
• Many calls or messages, even after you said stop
• Gifts, notes or things left for you
• They know where you have been without you telling them
• They contact your friends, family or employer about you
• Threats to hurt you, themselves or people close to you

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call SAPS on 10111 or 112.

• Do you feel you could be hurt soon?
• Has the person threatened you or someone you love?
• Have they turned up at your home or work?
• Is the stalking getting worse or more frequent?
• Are they an ex-partner who will not accept the break-up?
• Do they seem to know where you are at all times?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, get help now. Otherwise, start keeping a record and tell someone you trust.
2-3 yes: This is stalking and it can escalate. Please make a safety plan and ask about a protection order this week.
4 or more yes: Please treat this as urgent. Call 10111 if you are in danger, and get a protection order as soon as you can.

What you can do next

• Today: Tell one trusted person and your workplace security. Do not reply to the stalker. Keep every message and screenshot, with dates.
• This week: Go to your magistrate's court to apply for a protection order. Take your record of incidents and any screenshots.
• This month: Change passwords and check your phone for tracking apps and location sharing. Vary your routes and routines where you can.
• Keep a log: date, time, place, what happened and any witnesses. It makes the court and police process stronger.

Your tool

Safety Plan Builder - helps you plan safe routes, safe places, trusted people and what to do if the stalker turns up.

When to get professional help

Get help if you feel afraid, if the stalking has gone on for weeks, or if there are threats. A counsellor can help with the fear and stress. An attorney or Legal Aid can help with the court.
Who can help: emergency services (SAPS), Legal Aid South Africa, attorneys, counsellors, shelters

Getting help in South Africa

• Magistrate's courts: protection orders under the Protection from Harassment Act and the Domestic Violence Act, free.
• SAPS (10111): to open a case or report a breach of your protection order.
• GBV Command Centre (0800 428 428): 24-hour support if it is a partner or family member.
• Legal Aid South Africa (legal-aid.co.za): legal help if you qualify.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): support with the fear and stress.