What should I do if my ex is harassing me?

Asked by: Mr. Arch Daugherty  |  Last update: November 17, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (34 votes)

If you believe your life is being threatened and/or if the harassment continues or escalates, you might consider taking legal action. All states have laws against cyberstalking, and it could help to speak with a legal advocate about protective orders or other legal measures.

What can I do about my ex harassing me?

You can file for a restraining order at your local courthouse. If you believe that your ex is harassing you, but you do not feel that your safety is in immediate danger, you can contact the non-emergency police line to report the harassment. They may advise you to file a police report or a restraining order.

What is considered harassment by an ex?

For example, it can include verbal abuse, stalking, and even physical violence. While some instances are illegal, others may or may not be. Also, while some types of harassment, like talking badly about you to your children or spreading rumors to friends, are not illegal, it does not mean they are not hurtful.

Can I legally stop my ex from contacting me?

You can file a harassment report with your local police department, but if you really want to keep your ex away you can file an order of protection. With this your ex cannot contact you, see you, and if your ex does there will be legal action and jail time.

How to deal with an ex who keeps contacting you?

If your ex keeps contacting you against your will, it's best to set firm boundaries with them and tell them that you need space. If they ignore these boundaries, this is a form of harassment and you may need to get someone else involved.

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How to get an ex to stop bothering you?

Clearly tell your ex to stop harassing you, if you feel safe doing so. It's important to let your ex know that what they are doing is abusive, preferably in a way that lets you keep a record of your request either by saving the text or email you send, or taking a screenshot of a message you send online.

Is texting an ex harassment?

The short answer is yes. When you keep sending repeated text messages, it can count as harassment.

What to do if you can't get over your ex?

How to Get Over an Ex
  1. Look for distractions from your feelings.
  2. Remove any reminders that trigger feelings for your ex.
  3. Consider taking a social media break.
  4. Take care of yourself.
  5. Give yourself time.
  6. Talk to a professional.

What can I do if someone won't stop contacting me?

Legal Options
  1. Applying for a Protection Order. ...
  2. Report to the police. ...
  3. Document the harassment. ...
  4. Telephone company. ...
  5. Social media. ...
  6. Block the abusive person from contacting you.

Can I get a restraining order for texting my ex?

The formal name and fine print of restraining orders varies from state to state but the basic idea is the same: a judge issues an order to an abuser to stay away from and not contact their victim (including via text) who the abuser is harassing, abusing, threatening, stalking, or physically hurting.

What are 3 actions that are considered harassment?

Offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.

Should I press charges for harassment?

If the harasser's actions towards you put you in fear for your life or safety, the police can investigate and potentially press criminal charges. However, even if the harasser's actions aren't necessarily criminal, you can still get a restraining order to keep them away from you.

What to do when someone won't stop harassing you?

You should involve the police right away and retain an attorney to stop the harasser long-term. Taking legal action can help stop them (sometimes called "cease and desist" orders) from escalating their actions. This can help keep you and your family safe.

How to tell an ex to stop contacting you?

Rather than giving them a lot of information about your relationship, simply let them know that you're dating someone else and would like to stop texting. If you're still on good terms, you might add a kind message to wish them the best going forward. You might also say, "I hope you are doing well.

What do you need to prove someone is harassing you?

Testimonies from the accuser and witnesses are often considered the most reliable and impactful evidence. Audio or video recordings and photographs can also be used to provide evidence in a harassment case. Forensic evidence, such as emails and text messages, can be used if available.

How do you beat a harassment charge?

What to Do If You're Falsely Charged or Accused of Harassment
  1. Stay calm and avoid retaliation. ...
  2. Review your employer's harassment policy. ...
  3. Do not confront the accuser. ...
  4. Consult your HR department. ...
  5. Collect your own evidence and notes. ...
  6. Provide your true alibi and witness accounts. ...
  7. Highlight your history.

How do you legally tell someone to stop contacting you?

If someone is harassing you, a cease and desist letter may convince them to stop. However, you are not required to send a cease and desist letter before taking legal action.

How many texts are considered harassment?

Constantly texting someone who has told you to stop is harassment, and even if you haven't been told to stop, if you have texted this person an x number of times and not received a reply from them, just STOP right then and there.

What to do if your ex tries to contact you?

How to Respond when an Ex Reaches Out
  1. 1 Pause before you respond.
  2. 2 Figure out how you feel.
  3. 3 Be casual and polite to keep things friendly.
  4. 4 Ask them why they reached out if you're confused.
  5. 5 Hear them out if they want closure.
  6. 6 Try not to lead them on if you're not interested.

Why won t an ex let go?

There are many reasons why people hurt themselves this way. They might feel they have no other place to go. Or they feel they will never find someone so right for them again. Perhaps they choose partners who can never love them the same way in return, and yet can't accept that finality.

What are the 5 stages of a breakup?

Even ifyou were the one who initiated the split, there are five stages ofgrief that you will go through. They are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, according to Mental-Health-Matters.

How do I force my ex to come back?

How to Get Your Ex Back
  1. Assessing the Break-Up.
  2. Taking Time Alone.
  3. Winning Your Ex Back.
  4. Inviting a Relationship Discussion.
  5. Building a Healthy Relationship.
  6. Deciding to Move On.

Can I press charges on my ex for harassment?

If the harassment continues, there are several options open to you. First, you can make a criminal complaint and request that the prosecutor seek an order of protection in your favor.

How do I stop my ex from harassing me?

Help! My Ex is Harassing Me Online
  1. Clearly tell your ex to stop harassing you, if you feel safe doing so. ...
  2. Save everything. ...
  3. Take steps to increase your online privacy. ...
  4. If your ex is harassing you via email, create a separate email account with a hard to guess password to use only with people you trust.

Can I go to jail for texting my ex?

In short yes, repetitive or constant texting can be found to be criminal harassment, depending upon the particular circumstances of the case. We as attorneys see them fairly frequently associated with Temporary Protective Order (TPO) where parties are engaged in really destructive dynamics.