Reporting Stalking to Indiana Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Indiana.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
Download the printable Indiana guide
PDF · free · no account needed
How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Indiana 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 county.
Start here: Indiana uses a single civil protection order that covers stalking — no separate stalking-specific form is needed, and courts cannot charge stalking victims any fee.
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.
Indiana State Police (find your local post)
Via in.gov/isp
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
Indiana VINE (offender custody notification)
866-959-8463
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 county.
Indiana — Statewide Agencies
Indiana Criminal Justice Institute — Victim Services Division
317-232-1233
Victim assistance information and referrals statewide.
in.gov/cji ↗Indiana Criminal Justice Institute — Victim Compensation Division
800-353-1484
Apply online at in.gov/cji/victim-compensation · covers medical, counseling, and lost-wage expenses.
in.gov/cji/victim-compensation ↗Indiana Courts — Protection Order E-Filing Service
Via courts.in.gov
File a protection order online, free for victims of stalking, from a safe location.
courts.in.gov ↗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 Indiana.
Clerk of the Circuit Court (your county)
Find yours via courts.in.gov
File a protection order in person, or use the online E-Filing Service from any safe location.
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 Orders in Indiana
What it is: a single civil protection order covers domestic or family violence, stalking, sexual assault, harassment, and child sex grooming — no separate stalking-specific form needed.
Ex Parte Order: a judge can issue a temporary order, lasting up to 30 days, before the other party is notified.
Cost: courts cannot charge victims of stalking any fee for filing, issuing, registering, or serving the order.
Indiana Protection Order E-Filing Service
File online from a safe location, like a victim advocate's office, and request text or email updates on your case.
courts.in.gov ↗Where to file
The Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county, or online.
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 CJI Victim Services Division.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Start the Protection Order E-Filing Service online, or go to your county Circuit Court Clerk in person.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition; there is no fee for victims of stalking.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary Ex Parte order the same day, often without the other party present.
- 5The county sheriff serves the order on the other party — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Indiana DCS Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
1-800-800-5556
24/7, statewide — you can report anonymously.
Indiana Adult Protective Services
800-992-6978
For abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Indiana State Police (find your local post) | Via in.gov/isp | Emergency |
| Indiana VINE (offender custody notification) | 866-959-8463 | Emergency |
| Indiana Criminal Justice Institute — Victim Services Division | 317-232-1233 | Statewide |
| Indiana Criminal Justice Institute — Victim Compensation Division | 800-353-1484 | Statewide |
| Indiana Courts — Protection Order E-Filing Service | Via courts.in.gov | Statewide |
| Indiana DCS Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline | 1-800-800-5556 | Specialized |
| Indiana Adult Protective Services | 800-992-6978 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Indiana
How do I report stalking in Indiana?
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 Indiana?
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 Indiana?
What it is: a single civil protection order covers domestic or family violence, stalking, sexual assault, harassment, and child sex grooming — no separate stalking-specific form needed. Ex Parte Order: a judge can issue a temporary order, lasting up to 30 days, before the other party is notified. Cost: courts cannot charge victims of stalking any fee for filing, issuing, registering, or serving the order.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Indiana?
No — Indiana'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 Indiana?
Yes — Indiana has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact Indiana Criminal Justice Institute — Victim Compensation Division at 800-353-1484.
What counts as stalking under Indiana 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 Indiana, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Indiana 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 Indiana?
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 Indiana?
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 Indiana reporting guide?
You can download the free Indiana reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Indiana-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.
Read the full disclaimer