How can I defend myself against stalking?
June 25, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Lina Strauss
Dear lawyer,
I am Daniel Buchner and I am reaching out to you because I urgently need help. For several weeks, I have been harassed by a person who constantly follows me, monitors my apartment, and sends me unpleasant messages. I feel extremely threatened and unsettled, as I do not know how to defend myself against these stalking attacks.
My current situation is characterized by fear and uncertainty. I am barely able to leave the house and constantly feel watched. This situation is very distressing and affecting my daily life. I have already tried to confront the person, but without success. The harassment is escalating rather than decreasing, and I do not know how to effectively protect myself.
My greatest concern is that the stalking attacks will become more intense and I will no longer feel safe. I fear that the person could cause me physical harm or continue to severely invade my privacy. Therefore, I urgently need legal support to be able to defend myself against this harassment.
Can you please tell me what legal steps I can take against stalking? Are there ways to obtain a restraining order or file a report with the police? How can I effectively protect myself and stop the harassment? I thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Daniel Buchner
Dear Mr. Buchner,
I understand your concerns and fears regarding the stalking attacks you are experiencing. Stalking is a serious problem that should not be ignored, as it can have not only psychological but also physical effects on the victim. It is important that you take action quickly and seek legal support to effectively defend yourself against the harassment.
First and foremost, it is important that you gather all evidence of the stalking. This means that you should secure all unpleasant messages, emails, calls, photos, or other evidence to later use in court. These pieces of evidence are crucial to strengthen your credibility and legally hold the stalker accountable.
One way to protect yourself from stalking is to apply for a restraining order. A restraining order is a court order that prohibits the stalker from approaching you, contacting you, or harassing you. To obtain a restraining order, you must prove in court that you are actually being stalked and that your safety is at risk. With the collected evidence and the support of a lawyer, you can apply for a restraining order.
Furthermore, it is advisable to report the stalking to the police. Stalking is a criminal offense in Germany and is punishable under § 238 of the Criminal Code with a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine. By reporting the stalking to the police, the stalker will be officially held accountable and the prosecution will be initiated. The police can also take measures to ensure your safety and prevent the stalker from further harassment.
In addition, you can also take civil legal action against the stalker to claim damages or compensation. Your lawyer can advise and support you comprehensively to find the best legal solution for your stalking problem.
Overall, it is important that you do not feel alone and seek professional help. As a criminal defense attorney, I am here to support you and help you defend yourself against the stalking. Do not hesitate to contact me to schedule a detailed consultation.
Sincerely,
Lina Strauss
