Know the Laws: Michigan

UPDATED December 30, 2008

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• What is the definition of stalking in Michigan?
• What is a stalking personal protection order?
• I'm a victim of stalking- do I file for a domestic relationship or stalking PPO?
• What are the steps for filing for a stalking PPO?
• Where can I find additional information on stalking?

back to topWhat is the definition of stalking in Michigan?

Under Michigan law, stalking occurs when someone repeatedly contacts you, without your consent, in a way that makes you reasonably feel:

• terrorized,
• frightened,
• intimidated,
• threatened,
• harassed, or
• molested.

Stalking must be a pattern of behavior - someone has to contact you and make you feel in danger more than once for it to qualify as stalking.

For the exact wording of the law, see Sections 750.411h and 750.411i on our MI Legal Statutes page.

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back to topWhat is a stalking personal protection order?

A "stalking personal protection order" is the name Michigan uses for restraining orders in certain cases of stalking. A stalking personal protection order (PPO) is a court order that is designed to stop stalking and harassing behavior and to protect you from your stalker.*

Some victims of stalking may qualify for a domestic relationship PPO, rather than a stalking PPO. (I'm a victim of stalking- do I file for a domestic relationship or stalking PPO?)

 * MCLA 600.2950a

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back to topI'm a victim of stalking- do I file for a domestic relationship or stalking PPO?

It depends on your relationship to your stalker. Both domestic relationship and stalking PPO's can protect victims of stalking.

You can file for a domestic relationship PPO if your stalker is:

• your current or former spouse,
• an individual with whom you have a child in common,
• someone you are dating or used to date, or
• anyone who lives in your home or has lived in your home

A stalking PPO is designed to help victims of stalking that do not qualify for a domestic relationship PPO. You can file for a stalking PPO if your stalker is:

• a stranger,
• someone you know but were never romantically involved with, or
• anyone else who is stalking you that you cannot get a domestic relationship PPO against.*

If you qualify for a domestic relationship PPO, you should file for a domestic relationship PPO, not a stalking PPO. 

* MCLA 600.2950a

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back to topWhat are the steps for filing for a stalking PPO?

The steps for filing for a stalking PPO are generally the same as the steps for a domestic relationship PPO. What are the steps for filing for a PPO?

When you go to the courthouse, be sure to tell the clerk of court that you are filing for a stalking PPO.

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back to topWhere can I find additional information on stalking?

The National Center for Victims of Crime runs the Stalking Resource Center, which has additional information for victims of stalking, including:

• Safety planning for victims of stalking,
• Information on state and federal stalking laws, and
• A victim assistance line.

Stalking Resource Center of the NCVC
Victim Assistance Line: 1-800-FYI-CALL
(open M-F 8:30 am -8:30 pm, EST)
Email: gethelp@NCVC.org
Website: www.ncvc.org/src/index.html

While the Stalking Resource Center is a valuable resource, they do not run an emergency hotline. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.

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