Harassment and stalking

Harassment is behaviour that is repeated, unwanted by the victim and causes them alarm and distress.

Being harassed can take many different forms such as:

• Frequent, unwanted contact 
• Driving past the victim's home or work
• Following or watching the victim
• Sending unwanted letters or gifts to the victim
• Damaging the victim's property 

Stalking

Stalking is a term used for a particular kind of harassment. Generally it describes a long-term pattern of persistent and repeated behaviour. It occurs in a wide variety of situations - the most common reports relate to ex-partners and/or acquaintances. Stalking is a criminal offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Further help and information

If you feel a person's behaviour is putting you in immediate danger, you should call 999 straight away. If you feel that you are being stalked, the police would prefer to speak to you on the phone (on 101) or in person.

If you don't feel confident speaking to the police there are many other agencies that can help you, provided on this website in the Support Agencies section