Reporting Stalking to Missouri Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Missouri.
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 Missouri resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Missouri's Order of Protection covers stalking for anyone age 17 or older, regardless of your relationship to the stalker, with no filing 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.
Missouri State Highway Patrol (find your local troop)
Via mshp.dps.missouri.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
MOVANS (offender custody & protection order notification)
1-866-568-8267
1-866-5-MOVANS · free, automated updates on an offender's status or a protection order.
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.
Missouri — Statewide Agencies
Missouri Dept. of Public Safety — Crime Victim Services Unit
573-526-9945
Toll-free 1-866-334-6682 · CVSU@dps.mo.gov · victim rights information and referrals statewide.
dps.mo.gov ↗Missouri Crime Victims' Compensation
573-526-6006
cvc@dps.mo.gov · P.O. Box 1589, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1589 · covers medical, counseling, and lost-wage expenses.
dps.mo.gov ↗Missouri Courts — Orders of Protection
Via courts.mo.gov
Official forms and instructions; no filing fee, court costs, or bond required.
courts.mo.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 Missouri.
Your county Circuit Court
Find yours via courts.mo.gov
File an Adult Abuse/Stalking Order of Protection — available to anyone age 17 or older, regardless of your relationship to 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.
Orders of Protection in Missouri
Adult Abuse/Stalking Order of Protection: covers stalking regardless of your relationship to the person — available to anyone age 17 or older.
Two stages: an Ex Parte order of protection can be issued immediately; a hearing for a Full order of protection follows within about 15 days.
Cost: no filing fee, court costs, or bond is required.
Enforcement
Violating an order of protection carries criminal penalties.
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 Crime Victim Services Unit.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your county Circuit Court and ask for an Adult Abuse/Stalking Order of Protection petition.
- 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.
- 4A judge can issue an Ex Parte order right after you file, often without the other party present.
- 5The other party must be served at least 72 hours before the full hearing — keep a copy of the order with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline
1-800-392-3738
24/7, statewide, toll-free.
Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1-800-392-0210
24/7, statewide — for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Missouri State Highway Patrol (find your local troop) | Via mshp.dps.missouri.gov | Emergency |
| MOVANS (offender custody & protection order notification) | 1-866-568-8267 | Emergency |
| Missouri Dept. of Public Safety — Crime Victim Services Unit | 573-526-9945 | Statewide |
| Missouri Crime Victims' Compensation | 573-526-6006 | Statewide |
| Missouri Courts — Orders of Protection | Via courts.mo.gov | Statewide |
| Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline | 1-800-392-3738 | Specialized |
| Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline | 1-800-392-0210 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Missouri
How do I report stalking in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Adult Abuse/Stalking Order of Protection: covers stalking regardless of your relationship to the person — available to anyone age 17 or older. Two stages: an Ex Parte order of protection can be issued immediately; a hearing for a Full order of protection follows within about 15 days. Cost: no filing fee, court costs, or bond is required.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Missouri?
No — Missouri'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 Missouri?
Yes — Missouri has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact Missouri Crime Victims' Compensation at 573-526-6006.
What counts as stalking under Missouri 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 Missouri, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Missouri 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 Missouri?
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 Missouri?
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 Missouri reporting guide?
You can download the free Missouri reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Missouri-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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