Stalking and harassment
Stalking and harassment are criminal offences that often escalate over time. They can leave lasting emotional and psychological effects on those targeted.
Harassment
Harassment is behaviour that is intended to cause a person alarm or distress. The behaviour must happen on more than one occasion for it to be defined as harassment, but does not have to be the same kind of behaviour on each occasion. It commonly includes:
- unwanted phone calls, text messages, voicemails, emails or letters
- posting abusive messages on social media
- repeated anti-social behaviour
- verbal abuse or threats
- damaging a victim’s property
- stalking
Harassment became a criminal offence in June 1997, following the implementation of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Stalking
Stalking became a specific criminal offence in November 2012. It is a form of harassment, and is defined as a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour that causes a victim fear, alarm or distress and involves persistent, intrusive actions that target an individual. It can be carried out by a stranger, or someone known to the victim. It can take many forms, including:
- unwanted communication
- following the victim, or other unwanted intrusions
- sending or leaving unwanted gifts or materials
- threats of violence or suicide
- going through bins (for personal information)
- contacting family members (to isolate the victim)
- making vexatious complaints (to legitimate bodies)
- damage to property, including vehicles
Stalking can have a devastating impact on a victim’s life and if not tackled can escalate to violence. Help and support is available for those who have become a victim of stalking behaviour, but it is feared that many victims are not coming forward for support.
An incident may seem unremarkable if it’s seen as a ‘one off’. However, recognising patterns of behaviour is important, as actions that appear harmless in isolation can take on a more sinister meaning when repeated or viewed within a specific context.
Unwanted communications may include:
- telephone calls
- letters
- emails
- faxes
- text messages
- graffiti
- messages on social networking sites.
Unwanted intrusions include:
- waiting for
- spying on
- approaching
- accosting
- going to a person's home
Online stalking or harassment
Online (or cyber) stalking or harassment is when a person uses the internet or other technology to monitor, stalk, harass, threaten or control another person. It can include:
- monitoring the victim’s use of the internet, email or other electronic communication
- accessing the victim’s email or social media accounts
- identity theft (signing up to, or cancelling, services or buying things in the victim’s name)
- threatening to share private information, photographs or copies of messages
- adding tracking software to the victim’s devices
Report it and tell others
It's still feared that victims are not coming forward and getting support. Stalking can have a devastating impact on the victims and if not tackled can escalate to violence. Help and support is available for those who have become a victim of stalking behaviour.
Six golden rules if you are being stalked: 'REPORT'
- Report it and tell others. Report it to the police and ensure other people know about what is happening including your family, friends, neighbours, workplace, children’s nursery or school.
- Ensure you get good practical advice. Contact the National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300 or visit their website.
- Proactive evidence collection. Ensure you keep all messages or gifts preserving all the evidence. You can also film or video the stalker to collect evidence and if followed in a car take them to an area with lots of CCTV for example.
- Overview of what's happening - keep a diary. Log what is happening including time, date and details of what happened.
- Risk checklist - complete the 12 question checklist on stalking. If you think you are at risk, complete the stalking screening checklist.
- Trust your instinct and never make contact with your stalker. Always trust your instinct and if you are frightened or worried call the police or go to safe place. Ensure you do not contact or respond to the stalker in any other way.
How do I report stalking and harassment?
Stalking and harassment are very similar offences. Don’t worry if you’re unsure whether you’re being stalked or harassed; when you make a report you will be able to discuss what is happening and whether an offence has been committed. Those reporting offences can be assured that they will be taken seriously. Reports can be made directly to:
- National Stalking Helpline by calling 0808 802 0300
- the Police in an emergency by calling 999
- Derbyshire Constabulary for non-emergency matters on 101