Reporting Stalking to Ohio Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Ohio.
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 Ohio 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: Ohio's Civil Stalking Protection Order is available for stalking or sexually oriented offenses even when no criminal charges are filed.
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.
Ohio State Highway Patrol (find your local post)
Via statepatrol.ohio.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
Ohio VINE
Via ohioattorneygeneral.gov
Operated in partnership with the Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association — free offender custody notification.
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.
Ohio — Statewide Agencies
Ohio Attorney General — Crime Victim Services Section
614-466-5610
Victim rights information, compensation, and referrals statewide.
ohioattorneygeneral.gov ↗Ohio AG — Safe at Home (Address Confidentiality Program)
Via ohioattorneygeneral.gov
Helps survivors of stalking and other crimes keep their address off public records.
ohioattorneygeneral.gov ↗Ohio Supreme Court — Protection Order Information
Via supremecourt.ohio.gov
Explains CPO, CSPO/SSOOPO, and criminal protection order options.
supremecourt.ohio.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 Ohio.
Your Court of Common Pleas
Find yours via supremecourt.ohio.gov
File a Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO) or SSOOPO for stalking or sexually oriented offenses — charges are not required.
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.
Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO) in Ohio
CSPO / SSOOPO: for stalking or sexually oriented offenses — charges against the respondent are not required.
Civil Protection Order (CPO): used instead when the stalker is a family or household member, for domestic violence.
Advocates can help: a victim advocate can walk you through which protection order fits your situation.
Ohio Supreme Court
Explains every protection order type and links the forms for your county.
supremecourt.ohio.gov ↗Where to file
Your county Court of Common Pleas.
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 Section.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to your county Court of Common Pleas and ask for a Civil Stalking Protection Order petition.
- 2Ask a victim advocate for help if you're unsure whether CSPO or CPO fits your situation.
- 3Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 4A judge can issue an ex parte 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
Ohio Child Abuse Reporting Hotline
855-642-4453
855-O-H-CHILD · automated routing to your county's child protective services.
Ohio Adult Protective Services Hotline
855-644-6277
855-OHIO-APS · for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult age 60+.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Ohio State Highway Patrol (find your local post) | Via statepatrol.ohio.gov | Emergency |
| Ohio VINE | Via ohioattorneygeneral.gov | Emergency |
| Ohio Attorney General — Crime Victim Services Section | 614-466-5610 | Statewide |
| Ohio AG — Safe at Home (Address Confidentiality Program) | Via ohioattorneygeneral.gov | Statewide |
| Ohio Supreme Court — Protection Order Information | Via supremecourt.ohio.gov | Statewide |
| Ohio Child Abuse Reporting Hotline | 855-642-4453 | Specialized |
| Ohio Adult Protective Services Hotline | 855-644-6277 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Ohio
How do I report stalking in Ohio?
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 Ohio?
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 Ohio?
CSPO / SSOOPO: for stalking or sexually oriented offenses — charges against the respondent are not required. Civil Protection Order (CPO): used instead when the stalker is a family or household member, for domestic violence. Advocates can help: a victim advocate can walk you through which protection order fits your situation.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Ohio?
Filing fees vary by court in Ohio, 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 Ohio?
Yes — Ohio has a crime victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. See the statewide agencies section of this guide for the contact.
What counts as stalking under Ohio 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 Ohio, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Ohio 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio?
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 Ohio reporting guide?
You can download the free Ohio reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Ohio-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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