1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Alabama Crime Victims’ Compensation Commission – Victim Rights
Lists rights guaranteed to victims under Alabama law and access to compensation programs. - Office of the Alabama Attorney General – Victim Assistance
Offers services and advocacy for victims and witnesses, including protection information.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Alabama Legal Help
A statewide portal with legal aid resources, forms, and referrals for civil matters including abuse, harassment, and defamation. - Legal Services Alabama
Provides free legal services to low-income individuals for issues including stalking, bullying, harassment, and online defamation.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Ala. Code § 13A-6-90 & § 13A-6-91
What it means: Involves following or harassing someone with the intent to cause emotional distress or fear. Includes aggravated stalking for violating protective orders. - Harassment: Ala. Code § 13A-11-8
What it means: Covers unwanted physical contact, threatening language, or repeated conduct—digital or in-person—that alarms another person. - Bullying: No specific adult criminal statute. Covered under school administrative policy and education law.
What it means: School-based bullying is addressed under Alabama’s Student Harassment Prevention Act. Repeated intimidation, verbal abuse, or cyberbullying of students may result in disciplinary or legal action through schools or juvenile courts. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Governed by Alabama common law and civil court process.
What it means: Alabama allows civil lawsuits for libel (written) and slander (spoken). Defamation per se includes false statements about crimes, health conditions, or professional misconduct—even on social media. There is no criminal defamation statute in Alabama.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 in case of immediate danger.
- Non-emergency complaints may be reported to local law enforcement or sheriff’s departments.
- Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Offers a statewide crisis hotline and connects victims to legal and shelter services. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-650-6522
Provides confidential assistance 24/7.
5. Support Organizations
- Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Statewide coalition supporting survivors through shelters, advocacy, and referrals. - Victory Health Partners – Legal Aid Services
Offers legal assistance to underserved communities, including abuse-related issues in southern Alabama.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims in Alabama may petition the court for a protection order against individuals who are stalking, threatening, or harassing them. Forms are available online and through local courts. Legal aid services can assist with the process.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Alabama State Department of Education – Student Harassment Prevention Act
Provides policy and reporting resources for school-related bullying and harassment cases.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Alabama eForms
Official state portal for court forms including protection orders and restraining order petitions.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
National resource offering digital security tips, privacy guides, and online stalking response strategies.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
