If criminal charges have been laid against him/her and if your city is of reasonable size, there is likely a victim services department at the police department (civilians) who can help.

There are also criminal injuries compensation boards in many countries that can assist with claims regarding injuries, expenses and awards for victims of assault.

The first issue, if possible, is to have a cell phone and preferably a low cost package. A phone with a camera is ideal. Stalking or harassment are hard to prove and sometime precipitate assaults. Having photo evidence is useful for the police and courts.

I keep my cell near the door. I rarely think about it now. No matter where I go indoors (the bathroom with a locking door) is ideal and can buy you time to place a 911 call. If 911 can hear what's going on by phone they will respond more quickly.

Have a buddy who knows that you may be a risk and have a phone code ( a code word). The last thing that you need is someone asking many questions or trying to calm you down in an emergency. It's helpful to have a friend or family member who knows what the issues are and to a safe place to meet and to go in an emergency.

If you are isolated, you can to the local hospital emerg. They can also help contact the police and keep you safe.

The worst scenario is to end up trapped in your own home. Many of us only have one entry/exit. One trick is to use clear cellophane tape. Tape about an inch long piece against the door where it meets the frame and the other along the frame from the outside. I recommend higher or lower, so that no one is likely to see it. If anyone enters your home while you are out, the tape will be disturbed. Leave immediately -- never go in. You can always ask a friend or the police to escort you home to check no one has been there.

(You can also do the same with a strand of your hair if you have no tape. Moisten it with saliva and it will stick until the door is distrubed.)

A few times landlords have gone in illegally to people's homes, and the tape has been disturbed. It's is the most inexpensive security feature that you can use. This even more important if you are on a low floor in a building, or if there are bars or obstacles blocking windows that could trap you inside.

If you live in medium or large city, contact a shelter. There are "secret" assaulted women's shelters. Professionals can help to move you into hiding while the police investigate. Security is tight and they can prevent him/her from having any access to you.

Assuming s/he doesn't know where you are now, your phone, etc. You can reduce the chances of running into him/he, but don't avoid public places. People will often become more isolated and start taking different routes and having irregular patterns. This can make it difficult for friends, neighbours or acquaintances to notice if something is going for you.

There is a womens' only self-defense program. It is usually free in most communities. It is called Wen-Du or Wen-Do. it's ideal and can be a life saver and allow you to escape a violent situation. many communities offer free self-defense for vulnerable populations in the community.

If your income is low contact a local social service agency (or your hospital) often times, phone companies make cell phone donations. If no one offers such a program ask if any local agency is interested in starting a phone program for people at risk.

If there is a current restraining order, have copies on you or in a location or two so there is no misunderstanding with police to act to protect you.

You can often seek a restraining order or peace bond, so the police are more motivated to provide protection.

A cell phone can also be useful to take photos of any car or license plates s/he might use, so he can be arrested and charged if he does happen to learn about your whereabouts.

It can be helpful to have a friend have a key to your home, under strict instructions when it can be used and unless they talk to you that day, NO ONE is to be permitted to enter your home without your immediate permission. People can gain entry under false pretenses and tamper with windows and locks.

After a few weeks, as you do some of these things, you will likely find your fear will decrease as well. Knowing what to do and how you will do it will help your confidence as well.

In your phone book, there should be an assaulted woman's hotline and crisis lines. Please cal them. They can also offer specific information to your area and services that can assist you.

Try and have a message machine or voice mail. Calls that can be recorded including death threats are criminal. He could be charged on that alone. While police can trace phone records, have the verbal evidence has saved many men and women from violence. some community agencies offer free and low cost voice mail so that can be helpful.

If you have ever assaulted you in public, his/her threshold for violence is greater. Know some safe spaces in different neighbourhoods that you are likely to be in. Many neighbourhoods have "neighbourhood watches" or "community policing" so you can find out some info on where you can go if you happen to be in public.

If you are employed and only if s/he makes contact with you in some, you should report it to your human resources department. Harrassing you by phone and at work can also be a criminal offense. Your employer can often tracks records, dates, times, etc. for police/courts.