What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia.
I have been harassed by an ex for over a year now. In the past the harassment consisted of threats, breaking in my home, visits to my workplace, keying my car, and his most violent action was setting my apartment on fire last summer. Unfortunately the police were never much help to me. Every report I have filed has never been followed up on, despite my numerous requests. There is no such thing as a restraining order in VA. I applied for a Protective Order but because my ex did not show up for court to defend his side, it was completely dropped.
About 9 months ago, he joined the service and is currently stationed in NY. Since then the harassment has mainly consisted of phone calls, texts, and e-mails. He used several different numbers and e-mails to contact me, and often pretends to be someone else. I've had a neighbor of his parents notify me every time they found out he came to visit so I would be prepared (that's where he stays when he's in town). He attempts to contact me even more when he's in town, and I have got a glimpse of him riding past my residence on quite a few occasions. I've had my car keyed again and also had firecrackers set off on my porch while he's been in town.
I recently learned that he has begun to come in town every weekend. What, if anything, can I do to protect myself? As far as legal terms go, I have done everything I know possible - from speaking with the sheriff department and city magistrates to filing multiple police reports. I tried to contact his commander where he’s stationed but I was told that it was a matter for the local police to handle. I carry pepper spray with me at all times and plan to purchase a taser this week. I have kept a detailed log about every single incident with him. I've had my number changed but we have mutual aquaintences and it wasn't hard for him to obtain my new number. I can’t really afford to move at the moment and my lease isn’t up for months now. Are there any other legal steps I can take? How can I get the police to take my situation seriously? I feel more threatened now than I ever have because he has been trained to use weapons with the army.
I have been harassed by an ex for over a year now. In the past the harassment consisted of threats, breaking in my home, visits to my workplace, keying my car, and his most violent action was setting my apartment on fire last summer. Unfortunately the police were never much help to me. Every report I have filed has never been followed up on, despite my numerous requests. There is no such thing as a restraining order in VA. I applied for a Protective Order but because my ex did not show up for court to defend his side, it was completely dropped.
About 9 months ago, he joined the service and is currently stationed in NY. Since then the harassment has mainly consisted of phone calls, texts, and e-mails. He used several different numbers and e-mails to contact me, and often pretends to be someone else. I've had a neighbor of his parents notify me every time they found out he came to visit so I would be prepared (that's where he stays when he's in town). He attempts to contact me even more when he's in town, and I have got a glimpse of him riding past my residence on quite a few occasions. I've had my car keyed again and also had firecrackers set off on my porch while he's been in town.
I recently learned that he has begun to come in town every weekend. What, if anything, can I do to protect myself? As far as legal terms go, I have done everything I know possible - from speaking with the sheriff department and city magistrates to filing multiple police reports. I tried to contact his commander where he’s stationed but I was told that it was a matter for the local police to handle. I carry pepper spray with me at all times and plan to purchase a taser this week. I have kept a detailed log about every single incident with him. I've had my number changed but we have mutual aquaintences and it wasn't hard for him to obtain my new number. I can’t really afford to move at the moment and my lease isn’t up for months now. Are there any other legal steps I can take? How can I get the police to take my situation seriously? I feel more threatened now than I ever have because he has been trained to use weapons with the army.