Which of the following is NOT a recommended safety step when dealing with stalking in IPV?

• A. Document incidents
• B. Increase security
• C. Change routines and passwords
• D. Publicly announce the situation on social media

Answer: (D)

The important idea here is that safety planning for stalking in IPV relies on actions that reduce risk and keep information private. Documenting incidents creates a clear record that can support reporting to police, protective orders, and coordinated safety planning. Increasing security adds physical and digital barriers to a stalker, making it harder for them to reach you. Changing routines and passwords disrupts the stalker’s ability to predict where you’ll be and to access your accounts. Publicly announcing the situation on social media, however, tends to increase risk by exposing your location, movements, and vulnerabilities to the stalker and potentially to others who may enable or misinterpret the situation. It can undermine safety and support efforts. So the option that does not fit safe practice is publicly sharing the situation online.