Stalking and Harassment
Stalking and harassment includes an obsessive and repetitive pattern of behaviour that instils fear and distress for the victim. Stalking can happen with or without a fear of violence and can be perpetrated by men or women.
Stalking and harassment is a key feature of post-relationship abuse, where perpetrators attempt to reassert power and control. Specialist domestic abuse services work very closely with victims at point of separation, due to a high risk of escalation. Stalking and harassment is recognised as a high-risk indicator in the Safe Lives risk assessment and is taken very seriously by police and specialist domestic abuse services.
Stalking and Harassment can include the following behaviours:
- Following or frequently attempting to contact a person by friends, work colleagues, family or technology
- Intrusions into the victim's privacy such as loitering in a particular place or watching or spying on a person
- Causing damage to the victim's home and car
- Sending unwanted gifts or malicious items/services.
National Stalking Helpline
Freephone helpline (9.30am – 4pm weekdays, except Wednesdays 1 pm - 4pm) - 0808 802 0300
https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/national-stalking-helpline
advice@stalkinghelpline.org