1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Oklahoma Attorney General – Victim Services
Provides information on victim rights, access to compensation, and assistance navigating legal processes. - Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Board
Offers financial help for victims of violent crimes, including counseling, relocation, and medical expenses.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
Provides free legal help to low-income individuals for protective orders, cyber harassment, stalking, and defamation claims. - Oklahoma Free Legal Answers
An online Q&A platform where eligible users can ask volunteer attorneys legal questions, including those related to abuse or harassment.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1173
What it means: Willful, malicious, and repeated behavior that causes fear of injury or emotional distress. Includes following, surveillance, or digital tracking. - Harassment: Addressed under stalking and telecommunications laws (e.g., Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1172 & § 1173)
What it means: Unwanted, alarming, or repeated conduct—including electronic communications—that interferes with personal safety or peace. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Addressed under Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 24-100.3 (Education Code)
What it means: Requires public schools to implement anti-bullying and cyberbullying policies. Mandates training and reporting procedures. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Oklahoma case law.
What it means: Victims may file a lawsuit for libel or slander if false statements result in personal or professional harm. Defamation is not criminalized in Oklahoma.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 for emergencies or when your safety is in immediate danger.
- Report non-emergency stalking, harassment, or bullying to your local law enforcement or district court.
- Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (OCADVSA)
Connects victims to local programs offering shelter, counseling, and legal assistance statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-522-7233
Offers 24/7 confidential support and referrals for domestic violence and stalking situations across Oklahoma.
5. Support Organizations
- Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Statewide alliance supporting survivors through community-based organizations offering legal aid, shelter, and outreach. - Palmer Continuum of Care
Provides mental health and trauma recovery services, including support for abuse survivors in the Tulsa area.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Oklahoma courts offer Victim Protective Orders (VPOs) for victims of stalking, domestic abuse, harassment, or threats. These orders restrict contact, proximity, and digital interaction. Court clerks and legal aid services can help complete and file the necessary forms.
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
- Oklahoma State Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Offers school safety resources, anti-bullying policy guidance, and student reporting tools for public school districts.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Oklahoma State Courts Network – Protective Order Forms
Provides downloadable court forms and filing instructions for civil protective orders and harassment claims.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Provides tools and guidance for managing digital security and protecting against cyberstalking or online abuse.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
