Harassment and stalking

Mar 14

3 min read

It can be extremely unnerving, upsetting and scary when you think someone is paying you too much unwanted attention. I'll list a few examples of what I mean, someone asked you out but you've told them no but they keep asking you and hoping you'll change your mind. They keep turning up outside your work when it's time for you to leave and they try and talk to you, or follow you, or tell you that they'll walk you home, you're at the gym and you notice them working out and watching you, you go out with friends and the stalker just happens to turn up, what a coincidence they tell you but then you notice that they've added your friends on social media and your friends had posted about the party you're at. You've split up with your girl/boyfriend but they keep messaging you and begging you to get back with them, you block them but they get a new number and message you from that, you block that number and you receive messages from withheld numbers.

Harassment is when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared.

Stalking is more extreme and can be when someone becomes obsessed or fixated with you and regularly behave in a way that makes you feel pestered or threatened.

If anything you read here makes you think that you are a victim of harassment or stalking you must tell someone and seek advice from Police. Anyone can be a victim and the perpetrator maybe someone you know, have been in a relationship with, be a good friend or be a complete stranger.

The following diagram gives examples of stalking and harassment but this does not cover all examples.

Getting help

If you are in immediate danger or it's an emergency call 999.

You can make an appointment to see your doctor, they will be able to signpost you to help, it will also act as a record and if you are injured, the injuries can be documented with your consent.

'Injury capture' app - download from Google and App stores

An app that lets you record injuries sustained during domestic violence.

If you can't add the app to your phone because of safety reasons, ask a trusted friend to keep the app on their phone.

'Bright Sky' app

Looks like a weather app on your phone but once opened takes you to a supportive webpage that lets you document incidents, capture images, seek advice and get support in your area.

If you would like to report an offence then contact your local Police force.

They will be able to guide you through the process and go through your options, our first and main priority is your safety and wellbeing.

Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge

0808 200 0247

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Institute for Addressing Strangulation (ifas.org.uk )

www.ifas.org.uk

Refuge - National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 200 0247

www.refuge.org.uk

Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline