Reporting Stalking to Delaware Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Delaware.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Delaware resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve all three counties. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office for your specific county.
Start here: the Delaware Victim Center (1-800-VICTIM-1) 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.
Delaware State Police (find your local Troop)
Via dsp.delaware.gov
Troop non-emergency numbers vary by region — covers areas without local police.
Delaware VINES (offender custody notification)
1-877-338-8463
Free, confidential notification if a stalker is released from jail or prison.
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.
Delaware — Statewide Agencies
Delaware Victims' Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP)
302-255-1770
VCAP@delaware.gov · 900 North King Street, Suite 4, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Part of the DOJ.
attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/vcap ↗Delaware Victim Center
1-800-VICTIM-1 (942-8461)
In-state only · Connects crime victims to the right local and state resources.
Delaware DOJ — Victim/Witness Services
Via attorneygeneral.delaware.gov
Support and court accompaniment for victims whose case is prosecuted by the state.
attorneygeneral.delaware.gov ↗Family Court of the State of Delaware — PFA Office
Via courts.delaware.gov/family
Court-based advocates in each Family Court building help with the Protection From Abuse process.
courts.delaware.gov/family ↗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 town] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any town or city police department.
Delaware State Police Troop (unincorporated areas)
Varies by Troop
Covers areas without their own local police department.
Family Court — New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County
Find yours via courts.delaware.gov/family
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is filed at the Family Court in your county.
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.
Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders in Delaware
What it is: a Family Court order that can require a person to stop contacting you and stay away, covering physical abuse, sexual abuse, and threats among people with a qualifying relationship or household connection.
Emergency Ex Parte Order: a temporary order a judge can issue the same day, before the other party is notified, if you're in immediate danger.
Help filing: court-based advocates work out of every Family Court building specifically to help petitioners through the PFA process.
Family Court of Delaware
Publishes the PFA petition form and instructions for all three counties.
courts.delaware.gov/family ↗Where to file
Family Court in New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County, wherever you live.
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 the Victim Center.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to the Family Court in your county (New Castle, Kent, or Sussex) and ask for a Petition for Order of Protection From Abuse.
- 2Ask the court-based advocate on-site for help completing the petition — they specialize in exactly this process.
- 3Describe all the acts of abuse you want the court to consider, including dates if known.
- 4A judge can issue an emergency Ex Parte order the same day, before the other party is notified.
- 5The order is served on the other party by law enforcement — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
DFS Child Abuse & Neglect Report Line
1-800-292-9582
24/7, statewide — required by law to report within 24 hours of suspected abuse.
Delaware Adult Protective Services (Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse)
1-800-223-9074
For abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Delaware State Police (find your local Troop) | Via dsp.delaware.gov | Emergency |
| Delaware VINES (offender custody notification) | 1-877-338-8463 | Emergency |
| Delaware Victims' Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) | 302-255-1770 | Statewide |
| Delaware Victim Center | 1-800-VICTIM-1 (942-8461) | Statewide |
| Delaware DOJ — Victim/Witness Services | Via attorneygeneral.delaware.gov | Statewide |
| Family Court of the State of Delaware — PFA Office | Via courts.delaware.gov/family | Statewide |
| DFS Child Abuse & Neglect Report Line | 1-800-292-9582 | Specialized |
| Delaware Adult Protective Services (Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse) | 1-800-223-9074 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Delaware
How do I report stalking in Delaware?
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 Delaware?
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 Delaware?
What it is: a Family Court order that can require a person to stop contacting you and stay away, covering physical abuse, sexual abuse, and threats among people with a qualifying relationship or household connection. Emergency Ex Parte Order: a temporary order a judge can issue the same day, before the other party is notified, if you're in immediate danger. Help filing: court-based advocates work out of every Family Court building specifically to help petitioners through the PFA process.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Delaware?
Filing fees vary by court in Delaware, but many protection-order petitions for stalking victims are free or fee-waived. The court listed in this guide can confirm the current fee before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Delaware?
Yes — Delaware has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact Delaware Victims' Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) at 302-255-1770.
What counts as stalking under Delaware 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 Delaware, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Delaware 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 Delaware?
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 Delaware?
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 Delaware reporting guide?
You can download the free Delaware reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Delaware-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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