Protect Stalking Victims Across America: Demand National Reform

Stalking is a serious public safety issue affecting millions of women across the United States. According to the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, approximately 1 in 5 American women has experienced stalking in her lifetime. We are calling for state legislatures, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers nationwide to establish clear safeguards preventing police officers from advising or encouraging individuals accused of stalking to file retaliatory anti-harassment petitions against the people reporting them. In one case in Blaine, Washington, a woman reporting stalking to local police alleges that an officer told the individual she was reporting: “You should file a Anti-Harassment Petition against her as it is escalating”. Yes, it was escalating—that was precisely why she was seeking police assistance. She reports that the individual was moving into closer proximity, taking photographs, and recording video of her without her knowledge or consent. After ending communication with the family in July 2025 and serving a Cease and Desist letter, she says the situation worsened, with both the individual and his mother continued to stalk her. Reporting stalking is not harassment; it is an attempt to seek protection. Police responses must prioritize victim safety, impartial investigations, and appropriate referrals to victim services—not actions that may expose reporting individuals to further conflict or legal retaliation.

The woman’s experience raises serious concerns about police accountability, access to victim support, and fairness in court proceedings. She describes a process involving four police officers, the individual she reported, his mother, three witness statements, and a judge, leaving her feeling outnumbered and unheard. She states that no officer asked her, “Are you ok?” or “Do you need to speak with victim services?”  The victim had to listen to a criminal who was making  false testimony  using an altered police report which gave him ammunition and  affected the proceedings, allowing the individual she reported to portray himself as the victim because she had contacted police. Her restraining order was canceled, and an anti-harassment order was issued against her. Today, the stalker continues to walk by her house. The victim cannot do anything including reporting him to the local police who helped him win a court case.

This petition calls for nationwide reform across the United States, while recognizing that anti-harassment and protection-order laws differ by state. We urge state lawmakers, police departments, prosecutors, court administrators, and federal policymakers to establish transparent reporting and review procedures, prohibit officers from encouraging retaliatory legal action, provide victims with timely safety assessments and victim-service referrals, and investigate credible allegations of police misconduct or altered records. We also call for safeguards that preserve due process for everyone while preventing legal procedures from being weaponized against people seeking protection.

The woman has taken proactive steps to help others facing similar circumstances and plans to share practical information in a private Zoom meeting. The meeting will aim to raise awareness and help victims identify appropriate agencies, organizations, and professionals to contact for assistance.

The most important thing you can do is tell as many people as possible. Share this petition with friends, family, community organizations, advocacy groups, elected representatives, and law enforcement leaders throughout the country. Encourage your state legislators to review existing laws and introduce reforms that prioritize victim safety and accountability. No person should fear that reporting stalking will leave them more vulnerable or turn the justice system against them. We demand fair treatment, responsible policing, meaningful oversight, and access to support for every person reporting stalking.

Stand with stalking victims across America. Speak up. Share the petition. Demand reform. Sign the petition.

**If you are a stalking victim and are fearful, please sign as "Anonymous". Your safety is important.