Reporting Stalking to Kentucky Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Kentucky.
In danger now? Call 911 · National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · Crisis Line 988
Download the printable Kentucky guide
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Kentucky 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: Kentucky's Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) covers stalking — and it can be requested any time, day or night, through the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
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.
Kentucky State Police (find your local post)
Via kentuckystatepolice.org
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
VINE Protective Order (VPO)
866-803-5858
Free, confidential notification tied to active protective orders.
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.
Kentucky — Statewide Agencies
Kentucky Attorney General — Office of Victims Advocacy
Via ag.ky.gov
Information, referrals, and support for crime victims statewide.
ag.ky.gov ↗Kentucky Crime Victim's Compensation Fund
502-782-8255
Toll-free 800-469-2020 · 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601.
kycc.ky.gov ↗Kentucky Dept. of Corrections — Victim Services Branch
502-564-5061
Victim Line 877-687-6818 · notification and support for victims whose case involves someone in custody.
corrections.ky.gov ↗VINE (offender custody notification)
1-800-511-1670
Free, confidential notification if a stalker is released from jail or prison.
vinelink.com ↗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 Kentucky.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office (your county)
Available 24/7
File an Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) for stalking — in the county where you live, or where you fled to escape the stalker.
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.
Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) in Kentucky
What it is: a court order for victims of stalking, sexual assault, or dating violence — including teens — signed by a judge to prevent further acts.
Domestic Violence Order (DVO): used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, or other family or household member.
Available 24/7: protective orders can be requested any time, day or night — contact local police or a domestic violence program after business hours.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Available 24/7, day or night, to file an Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) for stalking.
Where to file
The Circuit Court Clerk's office in the county where you live, or the county where you fled to escape the stalker.
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 Office of Victims Advocacy.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to the Circuit Court Clerk's office in your county, any time, day or night.
- 2Ask for an Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) petition for stalking.
- 3Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 4A judge can issue a temporary order quickly, often without the other party present.
- 5The order is served on the other party by law enforcement — keep a copy with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Kentucky Child/Adult Abuse Hotline
1-877-597-2331
1-877-KYSAFE1 · 24/7, statewide — one number covers both suspected child abuse and adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Kentucky State Police (find your local post) | Via kentuckystatepolice.org | Emergency |
| VINE Protective Order (VPO) | 866-803-5858 | Emergency |
| Kentucky Attorney General — Office of Victims Advocacy | Via ag.ky.gov | Statewide |
| Kentucky Crime Victim's Compensation Fund | 502-782-8255 | Statewide |
| Kentucky Dept. of Corrections — Victim Services Branch | 502-564-5061 | Statewide |
| VINE (offender custody notification) | 1-800-511-1670 | Statewide |
| Kentucky Child/Adult Abuse Hotline | 1-877-597-2331 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Kentucky
How do I report stalking in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
What it is: a court order for victims of stalking, sexual assault, or dating violence — including teens — signed by a judge to prevent further acts. Domestic Violence Order (DVO): used instead when the stalker is a spouse, former spouse, or other family or household member. Available 24/7: protective orders can be requested any time, day or night — contact local police or a domestic violence program after business hours.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Kentucky?
Filing fees vary by court in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact Kentucky Crime Victim's Compensation Fund at 502-782-8255.
What counts as stalking under Kentucky 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 Kentucky, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky reporting guide?
You can download the free Kentucky reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Kentucky-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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