Know the Laws: Oklahoma
UPDATED October 31, 2008
- What is the legal definition of stalking in Oklahoma?
- What is a stalking protection order?
- What are the steps for filing for a stalking protection order?
- Where can I find additional information on stalking?
back to topWhat is the legal definition of stalking in Oklahoma?
Stalking can be any incident of threatening, following, surveillance, and/or coercive behavior that occurs more than once. Some examples are:
- following you on foot or by car
- watching you from outside your home or workplace
In Oklahoma, stalking takes place when an adult or minor (who is thirteen years of age or older) follows you repeatedly for the purpose of making you afraid of death or physical injury.*
*22 Okl.St.Ann. § 60.1
back to topWhat is a stalking protection order?
A stalking protection order is similar to a protection order for domestic abuse. It is a civil court order that is designed to protect you from your stalker by ordering him/her to stop following you and threatening you.
Unlike a protection order for domestic abuse, you do not need to have a "family or household member" relationship with your stalker in order to file for a protection order against him/her.
back to topWhat are the steps for filing for a stalking protection order?
The steps for filing for a stalking protection order are generally the same as the steps for filing for a protection order for domestic abuse. See How Do I Get a Final Protection Order for a more detailed description of those steps.
If your stalker is not a "family or household member" as defined by Oklahoma state law, then you will first have to file a complaint against your stalker with your local law enforcement agency before filing a petition for a protection order at the district court. You will be asked to provide a copy of the complaint when filing your petition for the protection order.
A "complaint" is a written statement of the essential facts explaining the offense that has taken place. After the complaint is filed, a warrant may or may not be issued for your stalker's arrest.
If your stalker is a "family or household member," you do NOT have to file a complaint with the police before seeking a protection order.
To see the definition of "family or household member" in OK, see Am I eligible to file for a protection order?
To get help through this process, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. Go to our OK State and Local Programs page to find one near you.
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/
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.