Stalking

Stalking is one of the most frequently experienced form of abuse and can happen to anyone. It is insidious and terrifying and can escalate to rape and murder. Stalking is serious, it is not romantic, it is about fixation and obsession, it is an unwanted and repeated behaviour, it terrifies victims, it destroys lives and it is a crime.

Stalking can consist of a range of behaviours such as regularly sending flowers or gifts, texting when being told not to, continuing to contact after the police have warned against it, making unwanted or malicious comments, damaging property, tracking on social media, turning up unexpectedly, following on foot or in the car, physical or sexual assault.

Taken in isolation some of the behaviours may seem like small acts, but together they make up a consistent pattern of behaviour that is frightening and upsetting. It’s important to know that stalking is a criminal offence and because of this, if you go to the police they will take it seriously.

In November 2012, two specific criminal offences of ‘stalking’ and ‘stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress’ came into force in England and Wales, along with additional police search powers. The criminal justice system needs to prove 2 things:

• It has happened on more than 2 occasions
• It has impacted the victim – caused fear, alarm, distress, fear of violence, and has had a substantial adverse effect on usual day-to-day activities.