Stalking and harassment
Stalking describes obsessive, unwanted behaviour by individuals or sometimes groups of people towards others. These behaviours can include: regularly sending gifts or flowers, malicious or unwanted communication, cyberstalking, blackmail, physical or sexual assault and damage to property or belongings. Stalking is usually a series of actions taking place over a period of time.
Side effects of stalking include:
- Severe psychological distress
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Agraphobia
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The British Crime Survey states that within the last year 9% of women and 7% of men have been victims of stalking. Anyone can be a victim of stalking.
Stalking is not always committed by strangers, even if you know or knew your stalker it is still not acceptable.
If the behaviour is unwanted and makes you feel unsafe or causes you harassment then it is stalking and you should not have to put up with it.
Share this page
