A lot of people think stalking is something that just happens to celebrities, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone.

Stalking can be defined as 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.

What makes the problem particularly hard to cope with is that it can go on for a long period of time, making you feel constantly anxious and afraid. Sometimes the problem can build up slowly and it can take a while for you to realise you are caught up in an ongoing campaign of abuse.

The problem isn’t always ‘physical’ — stalking can affect you psychologically as well. Social media and the internet are often used for stalking and harassment, and ‘cyber-stalking’ or online threats can be just as intimidating. If you’ve been affected by cyber-stalking, you can get more information and safety tips from Get Safe Online.

If you’re experiencing persistent and unwanted attention, and the behaviour is making you feel fearful, harassed or anxious, then you are a victim of stalking. It’s not something that you should have to live with, and we’re here to help you.

How we can help

As with all crimes, we can give you both practical help and advice, and the emotional support you need to cope and recover from stalking.

Having supported many other people in the same situation, we understand what it’s like to be on the receiving end of stalking or harassment, and our staff and volunteers are here to help, for as long as you need them. The most important thing is to recognise that you are being targeted in this way, and take the first steps to deal with it as quickly as you can.

One of the things that can make it difficult for police and others to deal with harassment and stalking is the continuous, repetitive nature of what may seem like small incidents. Helping the police and courts to see the bigger picture can make it much easier to deal with the offender’s behaviour.

Things you can do, straightaway, if you think you are experiencing harassment or stalking include:

  • Keeping 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.
  • Keeping copies of letters, text messages and emails, and taking screenshots of other online messages (e.g. on Facebook).
  • Trying to get ‘evidence’ of any events that happen at your home – but be careful to do this discreetly. Waving a camera at someone who is harassing you is unlikely to help and could make things worse.

Stalking was made a criminal offence in England and Wales in November 2012. Two new offences were introduced: stalking, and stalking where there is a fear of violence. The changes were made under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

As well as giving you emotional support to deal with the upset and trauma of this kind of crime, we can also give you practical help. This can include helping you to deal with the police if you decide to report incidents. We can also help with security measures in some cases.

When you report a crime to the police, they should automatically ask you if you would like help from an organisation like Victim Support. But anyone affected by crime can contact us directly if they want to – you don’t need to talk to the police to get our help.

You can contact us by:

Alternatively you can create a free account on My Support Space – an online resource containing interactive guides (including a guide on stalking and harassment) to help you manage the impact that crime has had on you.

If English is not your first language and you would like some support, call our Supportline and let us know which language you speak, and we will call you back with an interpreter as soon as possible. We also welcome calls via Relay UK on 18001 08 08 16 89 111.

Families and friends affected by crime can also contact us for support and information. If you’re a child or young person under 18 and are looking for support, visit our You & Co website, where we have lots of information and tips specifically for children and young people.

Related links

National Stalking Helpline
National Stalking Clinic
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
My Support Space – Victim Support’s online resource containing an interactive guide on stalking and harassment