Stalking and harassment

Definition: Persistent and unwanted attention that makes you feel pestered and harassed. It includes behaviour that happens two or more times, directed at or towards you by another person, which causes you to feel alarmed or distressed or to fear that violence might be used against you.

Stalking can be terrifying and have a significant impact on your day-to-day life.  You do not have to live in fear.

Is this happening to you?

• Repeated unwanted contact, by phone, text, online or in person.
• Being followed or a feeling of being watched by someone as they often seem to know your whereabouts or what you are doing.
• Turning up at your place of work, school or places the person knows you will be.
• Finding ways and means to contact you even if the person has been blocked.
• Using threats or pleading with you to meet with them.
• Making you fear that violence will be used. They may have been violent in the past, making this threat feel very real.
• Have legal orders in place to protect you that are breached.

Actions to consider

• If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact the Police immediately by dialling 999.
• Report the incident as early as possible to the Police and tell others what is happening.
• Keep a diary of events. Write down the date, time, location and details of what happens. It’s also a good idea to include information about any other witnesses who can confirm what happened.
• Keep copies of letters, text messages and emails, and take screenshots of other online messages (e.g. on Facebook). Give this evidence to Police.
• Let someone you trust know where you are and update them on where you will be or if you will be running late.
• Ensure you get good practical advice, visit Paladin or call the National Stalking Helpline.
• Check privacy settings on social networking sites and limit the amount of information you put on.
• Be aware of geo-location and tagging on social networking sites and ensure that this is disabled on your smartphone.
• If you believe that your computer or smartphone has been hacked or compromised, stop using them immediately and take them to a specialist such as your mobile phone provider or computer repair experts for advice.
• Contact Us, our team of experienced and professional caseworkers are here to support you and can talk with you confidentially.
• To find out more visit – Stalking and harassment | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk)

Victim First can provide:

• Information on other agencies
• Practical support such as a personal alarm or window/door alarm
• Advice on Crime Prevention
• Restorative contact between victim and offender
• Support using Language interpreters and British Sign Language interpreters