Setting the scene
Responding to repeated contact: online pressure lesson
Real moments. A few choices. Words that work.
Save screenshots of the new messages and account details in a secure folder, then talk to a trusted friend about making a safety plan.
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Words you can use
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You blocked someone who was constantly messaging you, but they just created a new social media account to send you another message demanding to talk in person.
You should meet up with someone who keeps contacting you one last time in a private space to explain your boundaries and get closure.
Myth or fact?
- Myth
- Fact
Recommended
Myth
You do not need to reply or meet up to explain yourself. Repeatedly ignoring your boundaries is a serious sign. If it is safe, keep a record of these messages, dates, and accounts in a secure place. You do not have to wait for an explicit threat to ask for help. Reach out to a trusted friend or professional to help you make a safety plan for your classes, housing, and daily travel.
Your next step
Save screenshots of the new messages and account details in a secure folder, then talk to a trusted friend about making a safety plan.
Words you can use
“They keep finding ways to contact me. I need help making a plan.”
Sources: SPARC: Stalking Safety Resources, Safety Net Project: Survivor Toolkit
Questions about “Responding to repeated contact”
Why is saving screenshots of repeated unwanted messages helpful for your safety?
Saving screenshots creates a clear record of boundary violations without requiring you to break contact or respond.
Documenting messages, dates, and account details in a secure folder provides physical evidence of a pattern of behavior. This documentation helps campus safety professionals or support services understand the situation if you choose to report it or create a personalized safety plan.
Sources: SPARC: Stalking Safety Resources, Safety Net Project: Survivor Toolkit
What can you say to a friend when asking for help with stalking?
You can tell a friend, "They keep finding ways to contact me, and I need help making a plan."
Sharing what you are experiencing allows a friend to assist you with practical steps, like walking together to classes or adjusting daily routines, without putting you in a position where you have to handle the stress alone.
Source: SPARC: Stalking Safety Resources
What should you do if someone shows up in person after you block them?
Go immediately to a safe, public space or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Do not engage with the person or offer further explanations. Once you are in a safe place, log the incident with dates and details, and contact a trusted professional or friend to update your daily safety plan for housing and travel.
Source: SPARC: Stalking Safety Resources
Why should you avoid meeting up with someone one last time to get closure?
Meeting up in private puts your physical safety at risk and signals to the person that ignoring your boundaries works.
You do not owe anyone a face-to-face explanation or a final meeting, especially after they have ignored your explicit request to stop reaching out. Re-engaging often encourages more contact rather than resolving the issue.
Source: SPARC: Stalking Safety Resources
How can you support a friend who is receiving unwanted repeated messages?
You can support your friend by helping them document the messages safely and assisting them with making a personalized safety plan.
Offer to store copies of screenshot evidence in a secure folder, accompany them during their daily routines on campus, and support them in reaching out to campus safety resources or housing officials when they feel ready.
Sources: SPARC: Stalking Safety Resources, Safety Net Project: Survivor Toolkit
Last updated October 12, 2026.