Cease and Desist Harassment Letter

Updated December 10, 2025 • Formal Demand ✓ Document Harassment ✓ Legal Record ✓

Use this free template to formally demand an end to harassment, stalking, or unwanted contact and create a legal record.

When to Send a Cease and Desist Letter

  • Repeated unwanted contact (calls, texts, emails)
  • Stalking or following behavior
  • Online/cyber harassment
  • Defamation or spreading false information
  • Threatening or intimidating conduct
  • Harassment by an ex-partner

Cease and Desist Harassment Letter

CEASE AND DESIST LETTER

SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Re: CEASE AND DESIST - Harassment/[Type of Conduct]

Dear [Recipient Name]:

This letter serves as a formal demand that you immediately CEASE AND DESIST all harassing behavior and unwanted contact directed at me.

NOTICE OF HARASSMENT:

I am writing to document the ongoing harassment I have experienced from you and to demand that it stop immediately. Your conduct has been unwelcome, disturbing, and has caused me significant distress.

TYPE OF HARASSMENT (Select all that apply):

☐ Verbal harassment (threatening, insulting, or abusive language)
☐ Written harassment (unwanted letters, emails, text messages)
☐ Online/cyber harassment (social media, websites, forums)
☐ Telephone harassment (unwanted calls, voicemails)
☐ Physical harassment or intimidation
☐ Stalking behavior
☐ Workplace harassment
☐ Defamation (false statements damaging my reputation)
☐ Other: [Specify]

SPECIFIC INCIDENTS:

The following incidents document your harassing behavior:

1. Date: [DATE]
   Time: [TIME]
   Location: [WHERE IT OCCURRED]
   Description: [Detailed description of what happened]

2. Date: [DATE]
   Time: [TIME]
   Location: [WHERE IT OCCURRED]
   Description: [Detailed description of what happened]

3. Date: [DATE]
   Time: [TIME]
   Location: [WHERE IT OCCURRED]
   Description: [Detailed description of what happened]

[Add additional incidents as needed]

EFFECT OF YOUR CONDUCT:

Your actions have caused me to suffer:
☐ Emotional distress and anxiety
☐ Fear for my safety
☐ Loss of sleep
☐ Impact on my work/employment
☐ Impact on my relationships
☐ Impact on my reputation
☐ Financial harm
☐ Other: [Specify]

DEMAND:

I hereby demand that you immediately and permanently:

1. CEASE all contact with me, including but not limited to:
   - Phone calls, voicemails, and text messages
   - Emails and written correspondence
   - Social media contact, tagging, or mentions
   - Contact through third parties on your behalf
   - Appearing at my home, workplace, or other locations I frequent

2. CEASE all harassing, threatening, or intimidating behavior

3. CEASE making any defamatory or false statements about me

4. REMOVE any defamatory content you have posted about me online

5. [Additional specific demands as applicable]

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES:

If you do not comply with this demand, I am prepared to take the following legal actions:

☐ Obtain a restraining order / order of protection
☐ File a criminal complaint for harassment/stalking
☐ File a civil lawsuit for harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and/or defamation
☐ Report your conduct to [law enforcement / employer / licensing board / professional organization]
☐ Seek monetary damages for harm caused
☐ Pursue any other available legal remedies

APPLICABLE LAWS:

Your conduct may violate the following laws:
☐ [State] harassment statutes
☐ [State] stalking laws
☐ [State] cyberbullying/cyber harassment laws
☐ Federal laws regarding electronic harassment
☐ Defamation laws (libel/slander)
☐ Other: [Specify]

DOCUMENTATION:

I have documented your harassing behavior and retained the following evidence:
☐ Written records of incidents with dates and times
☐ Screenshots of messages, emails, and social media posts
☐ Voicemail and call recordings (where legal)
☐ Photographs
☐ Witness statements
☐ Police reports (if any)
☐ Other documentation

This evidence will be used in any legal proceedings if you fail to cease your conduct.

NO RESPONSE REQUIRED:

You are not required or expected to respond to this letter. In fact, I prefer that you do NOT contact me. Any response or continued contact will be documented and may be used as evidence of continued harassment.

CONCLUSION:

Consider this letter your final warning. Any further harassment, contact, or unwanted conduct will result in immediate legal action without further notice.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]

---

SENDER'S RECORD:
Certified Mail Number: ________________
Date Mailed: ________________
Date Delivered (per USPS): ________________

---

DOCUMENTATION LOG:

After sending this letter, continue to document any violations:

Date | Time | Type of Contact/Incident | Evidence Retained
-----|------|-------------------------|-------------------
     |      |                         |
     |      |                         |

---

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This letter creates a formal record of your demand
• Keep copies of this letter and your certified mail receipt
• Continue documenting any further incidents
• If harassment continues, consult an attorney or contact police
• For immediate safety concerns, contact law enforcement
• Consider consulting an attorney before sending if the situation is serious

How to Address Harassment (Step‑by‑Step)

  1. Document everything. Keep a detailed log of incidents with dates, times, and descriptions. Save screenshots and evidence.
  2. Assess your safety. If you are in danger, contact law enforcement immediately. A letter is not a substitute for police protection.
  3. Send a cease and desist letter. Clearly state the behavior must stop and outline consequences.
  4. Send via certified mail. Keep proof of delivery for potential legal proceedings.
  5. Take further action if needed. If harassment continues, file a police report or seek a restraining order.

Safety First: If you fear for your safety, contact 911 or a local domestic violence hotline immediately.

Cease and Desist FAQ

What is a cease and desist letter?

A cease and desist letter is a formal written demand telling someone to stop a specific behavior (like harassment). While not legally binding on its own, it documents your complaint and can be used as evidence if you need to take legal action.

Is a cease and desist letter legally enforceable?

The letter itself does not have legal force—you cannot be jailed for ignoring it. However, it documents that the person was warned. If harassment continues, courts take it seriously when considering restraining orders or damages.

What should I do if the harassment continues after sending the letter?

Document every incident. If the harassment continues or escalates, you may file a police report, apply for a restraining order, or file a civil lawsuit. Consult an attorney for serious situations.

Do I need a lawyer to send a cease and desist letter?

No. You can write and send your own cease and desist letter. However, a letter from an attorney may carry more weight and is recommended for serious harassment situations.

Should I send this letter certified mail?

Yes. Certified mail with return receipt provides proof that the person received your demand. This proof is important if you need to take legal action later.

What if I am in immediate danger?

If you fear for your safety, contact law enforcement immediately. A cease and desist letter is not a substitute for police protection or an emergency restraining order.

Legal Disclaimer: This template is for informational purposes only. For serious harassment situations, consult an attorney and contact law enforcement.

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