1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Victim Services
Provides information on victim rights, compensation, and referral services for survivors of crime, stalking, or abuse. - Indiana Attorney General – Victim Assistance
Offers guidance on restitution, court participation, and protection for victims and witnesses involved in criminal proceedings.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Indiana Legal Help
Statewide portal for court forms, legal guides, and free or low-cost civil legal services including protective orders and defamation. - Indiana Legal Services
Provides free legal representation for qualified individuals dealing with domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or housing abuse.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Indiana Code § 35-45-10-1
What it means: Involves repeated and intentional behavior that causes a person to feel threatened or harassed. Can include surveillance, following, or digital contact. - Harassment: Indiana Code § 35-45-2-2 (Harassment via communication)
What it means: Includes obscene, threatening, or repeated messages by phone or electronic means with intent to annoy, alarm, or harass. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed under Indiana Code § 20-33-8-13.5 (Education Code)
What it means: Schools are required to establish anti-bullying policies and investigate reported incidents. Covers cyberbullying and school-based harassment. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Indiana common law and case precedent.
What it means: Victims may sue for libel (written) or slander (spoken) if false statements have harmed their reputation. Indiana does not criminalize defamation.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- File non-emergency complaints with your local police department or sheriff’s office.
- Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV)
Connects survivors with emergency shelter, legal services, and crisis support programs across Indiana. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-332-7385
Available 24/7 with confidential support and referral services statewide.
5. Support Organizations
- Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Offers education, advocacy, legal partnerships, and coordinated services to survivors throughout Indiana. - Prevail, Inc.
Provides victim advocacy, legal assistance, and counseling in Central Indiana for survivors of abuse, harassment, and stalking.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Indiana residents can seek a Civil Protection Order (CPO) to prevent continued stalking, abuse, or threats. The order may prohibit in-person contact, digital communication, and third-party contact. Forms and assistance are available through court self-help centers or legal aid offices.
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
- Indiana Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Provides guidelines for school district policies, complaint handling, and student protections related to bullying or harassment.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Indiana Courts – Protection Orders
Portal for protection order forms, e-filing access, and legal instructions for stalking or harassment cases.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers privacy resources and response strategies for dealing with cyberstalking, impersonation, or digital defamation.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
