Stalking Victim Advocacy
Stalking FAQs
A pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress. Stalkers use a variety of tactics, including (but not limited to): unwanted contact, including phone calls, texts, and contact via social media, unwanted gifts, showing up/approaching an individual or their family/friends, monitoring, surveillance, property damage, and threats.
Two or more incidents make a pattern. However, definitions vary from state-to-state. Click here for Iowa Stalking Laws.
Anyone can be a victim — or perpetrator — of stalking. A majority of stalking victims are stalked by someone they know: a current or former intimate partner, acquaintance, or family member.
Believe and support them. Your support can make a large difference in their healing. Learn more about how to respond to a disclosure about stalking here.
DVIP & RVAP provides free, confidential services to all survivors of domestic violence and their loved ones. For more information, or for questions call 1-800-373-1043.
Legal Support
The information provided here does not constitute legal advice and is being furnished strictly for informational purposes.
How DVIP & RVAP can help:
Staff can help you explore your legal options and clarify any of the information below. If you choose to move forward legally, we can accompany you throughout the entire legal process.
Iowa Law and Stalking: DVIP & RVAP is familiar with the criminal justice process. While the staff are not lawyers and can not give legal advice, they may be able to assist and support you. If you have questions about your situation, contact a DVIP & RVAP advocate at 1-800-373-1043.
Orders of Protection: DVIP & RVAP has staff familiar with these applications and the process of obtaining these orders. Staffcan also accompany you to court. If you have questions about your situation, contact a DVIP & RVAP advocate at 1-800-373-1043.
Crime Victim Compensation Program: If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury from a violent crime, the Crime Victim Compensation Program may be able to help. This program was created to help victims with the many costs of violent crime. DVIP & RVAP has staff who are familiar with this application. If you have questions about your situation, contact DVIP & RVAP at 1-800-373-1043.
For more information, requirements, and limits of financial support, contact a domestic violence program or the Crime Victim Compensation Program:
Attorney General’s Office
Old Historical Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-5044
1-800-373-5044
