1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Minnesota Attorney General – Victim Assistance
Offers legal guidance, victim rights information, and referrals to support programs and advocacy services. - Office of Justice Programs – Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Administers victim compensation, safety planning, and legal advocacy resources statewide.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- LawHelpMN
Online portal with self-help tools, legal aid contacts, and court forms for civil harassment, protection orders, and cyber abuse cases. - Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
Provides free legal help for low-income residents facing harassment, stalking, or school-related abuse.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Minn. Stat. § 609.749
What it means: Intentional conduct that causes a reasonable person to feel frightened, threatened, or oppressed. Includes digital tracking or repeated unwanted contact. - Harassment: Addressed under the same stalking statute and Minn. Stat. § 609.748 (civil)
What it means: Victims may pursue Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs) against individuals who engage in unwanted, repeated, or threatening behavior. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under Minn. Stat. § 121A.031 (Safe and Supportive Schools Act)
What it means: Requires school districts to implement bullying prevention policies and respond to incidents, including cyberbullying and off-campus conduct that affects students. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Minnesota case law and common law.
What it means: Individuals may file civil lawsuits for libel (written) or slander (spoken) if false statements cause reputational or professional harm. No criminal defamation law exists in Minnesota.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 in emergencies or when immediate harm is present.
- File non-emergency reports with your local police or sheriff’s department.
- Violence Free Minnesota
Statewide coalition offering shelter coordination, legal advocacy, and culturally specific support services. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-863-7333
24/7 confidential support and referral services throughout Minnesota.
5. Support Organizations
- Violence Free Minnesota
Statewide coalition of domestic and sexual violence programs offering legal, housing, and emotional support services. - Cornerstone Advocacy Service
Provides comprehensive support including legal services, transitional housing, and youth programs in the Twin Cities area.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims in Minnesota may file for a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) or an Order for Protection (OFP), depending on the relationship with the person and the conduct involved. Courts may restrict contact, digital communication, and physical proximity. Legal aid services can help prepare and submit filings.
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
- Minnesota Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Includes state requirements for school anti-bullying policies and student complaint procedures under the Safe and Supportive Schools Act.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Minnesota Judicial Branch – Protection Order Forms
Provides downloadable forms, court instructions, and filing information for Harassment Restraining Orders and OFPs.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers digital privacy tips, cybersecurity tools, and support for survivors of online abuse, impersonation, or digital stalking.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
