Reporting Stalking to California Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in California.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
Download the printable California guide
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide California resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office for your specific city or county.
Start here: the California Attorney General's Office of Victim Services (1-877-433-9069) and the California Courts Self-Help Center can point you to the right state or local office for your exact situation.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
California Highway Patrol
1-800-835-5247
Statewide, for highway matters and general non-emergency support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
24/7 federal crisis line · call or text, also reachable for someone else's safety concerns.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your area.
California — Statewide Agencies
California Attorney General — Office of Victim Services
1-877-433-9069
VictimServices@doj.ca.gov · Help exercising victims' rights under Marsy's Law statewide.
oag.ca.gov/victimservices ↗California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB)
1-800-777-9229
Covers crime-related expenses, explicitly including stalking and online harassment · Info@victims.ca.gov
victims.ca.gov ↗Safe at Home (CA Address Confidentiality Program)
1-877-322-5227
TTY 916-651-1304 · Free P.O. box and mail forwarding to keep your address off public records, run by the CA Secretary of State.
sos.ca.gov/registries/safe-home ↗California Courts Self-Help Center
Via selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
Free, official guidance on filing a restraining order and finding your local courthouse.
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov ↗CA Dept. of Corrections — Office of Victim & Survivor Rights and Services
1-877-256-6877
For victims whose case involves someone in state prison or on parole, including notification and harassment intervention.
cdcr.ca.gov/victim-services ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of California.
Your county Superior Court
Find yours via courts.ca.gov/find-my-court
Restraining orders are filed at your county's Superior Court self-help center.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Restraining Orders in California
Civil Harassment Restraining Order: the order most often used for stalking by someone you don't have a close family or intimate relationship with — a stranger, acquaintance, neighbor, or coworker.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order: for stalking by a current or former spouse, partner, co-parent, or close relative.
Cost: there is no fee to file for either type of restraining order in California.
California Courts Self-Help Center
Free, official step-by-step instructions and all required forms for every restraining order type.
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov ↗Where to file
Your county's Superior Court — find it at courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to Victim Services.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to selfhelp.courts.ca.gov or your county Superior Court and ask for the right restraining order packet — civil harassment or domestic violence.
- 2Fill out the petition with as much detail as possible — dates, incidents, and any history of the person's behavior.
- 3File the forms with the court clerk; there is no filing fee for either order type.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary restraining order the same day, often without the other party present.
- 5The order is served on the other party, usually by the sheriff or a process server — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Child Abuse Reporting (county-based)
Varies by county, or dial 911
California's child abuse hotline is run at the county level — your county's Child Protective Services is listed at cdss.ca.gov.
Adult Protective Services (county-based)
Varies by county
For elder or dependent-adult abuse; find your county's APS line at cdss.ca.gov/adult-protective-services.
California Civil Rights Department
1-833-866-4283
For stalking or harassment that also involves discrimination, including at work or in housing.
calcivilrights.ca.gov ↗CA Dept. of Justice — Office of the Attorney General, general line
916-445-9555
For matters not covered by Victim Services directly.
oag.ca.gov ↗Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| California Highway Patrol | 1-800-835-5247 | Emergency |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 | Emergency |
| California Attorney General — Office of Victim Services | 1-877-433-9069 | Statewide |
| California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) | 1-800-777-9229 | Statewide |
| Safe at Home (CA Address Confidentiality Program) | 1-877-322-5227 | Statewide |
| California Courts Self-Help Center | Via selfhelp.courts.ca.gov | Statewide |
| CA Dept. of Corrections — Office of Victim & Survivor Rights and Services | 1-877-256-6877 | Statewide |
| Child Abuse Reporting (county-based) | Varies by county, or dial 911 | Specialized |
| Adult Protective Services (county-based) | Varies by county | Specialized |
| California Civil Rights Department | 1-833-866-4283 | Specialized |
| CA Dept. of Justice — Attorney General, general line | 916-445-9555 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in California
How do I report stalking in California?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in California?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in California?
Civil Harassment Restraining Order: the order most often used for stalking by someone you don't have a close family or intimate relationship with — a stranger, acquaintance, neighbor, or coworker. Domestic Violence Restraining Order: for stalking by a current or former spouse, partner, co-parent, or close relative. Cost: there is no fee to file for either type of restraining order in California.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in California?
No — California's protective-order process does not charge a filing fee, and many courts also waive related costs for stalking victims. The court listed in this guide can confirm current procedures before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in California?
Yes — California has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) at 1-800-777-9229.
What counts as stalking under California law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In California, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in California if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in California?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in California?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable California reporting guide?
You can download the free California reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-California-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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