What is what to do when someone is following you?

If you think someone is following you, here are some steps you can take to increase your safety and determine if your suspicions are correct:

• Acknowledge Your Gut Feeling: Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy, it's better to be cautious.

• Vary Your Route: Change direction, cross the street, speed up, or slow down. If the person mirrors your movements, it's a stronger indication they are following you. This is mentioned in Determining if you're being followed.

• Increase Awareness: Pay attention to the person's appearance, clothing, and any distinguishing features. Mentally note their physical characteristics to help you identify them later.

• Head to a Safe Place: If you feel threatened, go to a public place with lots of people, such as a busy store, restaurant, police station or fire station. This act is mentioned in Going to public place.

• Seek Assistance: If you are in immediate danger, call the police. You can also ask for help from store employees, security guards, or anyone nearby. This act is mentioned in Seeking Assistance.

• Make it Obvious: If you are being followed, make eye contact with the person following you. This can deter them and also alert them that you are aware of their presence.

• Document the Incident: If possible, take pictures or videos of the person following you. Note the date, time, and location of the incident. This information can be useful for law enforcement. This is mentioned in Documenting the incident.

• Report to Authorities: Even if the person stops following you, consider reporting the incident to the police. They can investigate and take appropriate action. This act is mentioned in Reporting to Authorities.