Reporting Stalking to West Virginia Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in West Virginia.
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide West Virginia 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: West Virginia has a Personal Safety Order for stalking by anyone who is not a family member or romantic partner — your first stop is your county Magistrate Court.
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.
West Virginia State Police
Via wvsp.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
WV DoHS Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect
1-800-352-6513
24/7 · for suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.
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.
West Virginia — Statewide Agencies
WV Crime Victims Compensation Fund (Court of Claims)
Via victims.wvlegislature.gov
Financial help for medical, funeral, and work-loss costs. Stalking is an eligible crime; adults generally must apply within two years.
victims.wvlegislature.gov ↗WV Courts — Personal Safety Order Information
Via courtswv.gov
Official information and forms for Personal Safety Orders and domestic violence protective orders.
courtswv.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 West Virginia.
Your county Magistrate Court
Find yours at your county courthouse
Your first stop to file a Personal Safety Order for stalking by someone who is not a family member or romantic partner.
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.
Personal Safety Orders in West Virginia
Personal Safety Order: available since 2012 to victims of stalking and sexual assault by someone who is not a family member and not a current or former romantic partner — or by a stranger.
Domestic violence protective order: used instead when the stalker is a family or household member or a romantic partner.
How it works: a judge can issue a temporary order, law enforcement serves it, and a hearing is held in magistrate court within roughly a week to ten days.
Evidence helps
At the hearing the magistrate reviews testimony and any evidence — bring messages, photos, and your incident log.
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 Victims Compensation Fund.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Go to the magistrate's office in your county's courthouse and ask for a Personal Safety Order petition.
- 2Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 3File the petition; a temporary order can be issued and then served by law enforcement.
- 4Attend the hearing in magistrate court, where the magistrate reviews testimony and evidence and rules.
- 5Keep a copy of any order with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
WV Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect
1-800-352-6513
24/7, 365 days — one number for suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult; call 911 for an emergency.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| West Virginia State Police | Via wvsp.gov | Emergency |
| WV DoHS Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect | 1-800-352-6513 | Emergency |
| WV Crime Victims Compensation Fund (Court of Claims) | Via victims.wvlegislature.gov | Statewide |
| WV Courts — Personal Safety Order Information | Via courtswv.gov | Statewide |
| WV Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect | 1-800-352-6513 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in West Virginia
How do I report stalking in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
Personal Safety Order: available since 2012 to victims of stalking and sexual assault by someone who is not a family member and not a current or former romantic partner — or by a stranger. Domestic violence protective order: used instead when the stalker is a family or household member or a romantic partner. How it works: a judge can issue a temporary order, law enforcement serves it, and a hearing is held in magistrate court within roughly a week to ten days.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in West Virginia?
Filing fees vary by court in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia?
Yes — West Virginia has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact WV Crime Victims Compensation Fund (Court of Claims) at Via victims.wvlegislature.gov.
What counts as stalking under West Virginia 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 West Virginia, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
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 West Virginia reporting guide?
You can download the free West Virginia reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-West-Virginia-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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