What is stalking? Signs and support
Stalking
Stalking is a form of harassment where the stalker develops an obsession with the person they are targeting. Their repeated, unwanted behaviour can make the victim feel scared, distressed, or threatened. If this unwanted behaviour happens two times or more, it may be a crime, and you can report it to us.
Stalking is an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. They're crimes we take very seriously and we're here for you if this is something you're experiencing.
Don't worry if you're not sure whether you're being stalked or harassed. If you report it to us, just tell us what's been happening, and we'll be able to explain if an offence has been committed and what that offence is.
Stalker behaviour
There are FOUR ways to identify the stalking.
Fixated - being followed on your daily routine, spied on, or being watched by someone loitering around your work or home.
Obsession - being monitored on or offline, cyberstalking, the ordering and cancelling of items on your behalf.
Unwanted attention - gifts being sent or left for you; unwanted messages, letters or phone calls. Even damage or graffiti being caused to your property.
Repeated behaviour - this can be any nuisance or threatening behaviour, being approached, accosted or bullied repeatedly.
Stalking behaviours can also include but are not limited to:
- Following someone
- Going uninvited to their home
- Hanging around places the person often visits
- Watching or spying on someone
- Identity theft (signing up for services or making purchases in someone’s name)
- Writing or posting about someone online without their consent.
- Monitoring someone’s internet use, email, or electronic communication
- Gaining access to someone’s email or social media accounts
- Spamming or sending viruses
- Stealing someone’s identity
- Threatening to share private information or photographs
- Installing tracking software on someone’s devices
The impact of stalking
Stalking can have serious effects on a person’s mental and physical health, as well as their daily life. Some victims have had to change jobs, move homes, or alter their routines to feel safe. If you are experiencing stalking, support is available even if you’re not ready to report it, there are other organisations that can give you advice and help.
Cheshire Constabulary dispels myth on ‘typical’ stalker | Cheshire Constabulary)
How to protect yourself from a stalker
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
- If you often walk alone, you can use personal safety apps such as Hollie Guard
- Protection from online stalking and harassment
- Follow general personal safety advice outlined by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust
- Keeping records and gathering evidence.
When should I report stalking to the police?
If you, or someone you know, has experienced two or more incidents of stalking you can report it to us.
We understand it can be difficult to tell us about what's happened, but we want to hear from you. We take these offences very seriously.
Don't delay, don't wait, follow your instinct.
What evidence is needed for a police report?
Before you report, you don’t need to gather ‘evidence’ about what’s been happening, like text messages, videos or photos. Anything you’ve got like that can be useful to us, but don’t delay reporting to get it.
Who else can help?
Support for Victims and Witnesses of Stalking
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is a national organisation that can offer help and support to victims of stalking. You may find their Am I Being Stalked? - Suzy Lamplugh Trust online self-assessment tool useful.
Stalking involving other crimes:
- Threats
- Violence
- Identity theft
- Cyberstalking
Stalking Question and Answer Session
Q&A session with Daniel Price Jones, the Lead Consultant Forensic Psychologist in the Harm Reduction Unit (HRU).
Daniel leads on all clinical aspects of the unit, including psychological formulations, risk assessments, and providing clinical leadership for nurse and occupational therapist.
This video offers valuable insights into the psychology of stalking and helps you understand what might be happening behind the scenes.
Watch the Q&A with Daniel Price Jones
FAQs: Common questions about stalking
How to report stalking?
You can report stalking online
Is being followed online stalking?
Protection from online stalking
What evidence do I need to collect?
You don't need to collect 'evidence' before you report stalking or harassment to us. If you are keeping a record of what's happened, it's useful if you:
- record each incident as soon as possible afterwards and note the time and date
- note details of any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything
- keep a record of how the person harassing you looked; for example, details of what they were wearing or their vehicle
- keep messages or record any phone calls you receive
- ask neighbours, friends and people you work with to record any details if they witness anything
Will Cheshire Police take reports of stalking seriously?
Stalking is an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. We take this crime very seriously.
What support is available for me?
Support for victims and witnesses of stalking
Is it still stalking if they haven’t threatened me?
It's stalking if the unwanted behaviour has happened two times or more and made you feel scared, distressed or threatened.
Report it to the police. Don’t wait, don’t delay - trust your instincts.