What to do now if you're being stalked or harassed
In this section:
| 1. What is stalking and harassment? |
| 2. What to do now if you're being stalked or harassed |
| 3. Protection from online stalking or harassment |
| 4. How to report stalking or harassment |
| 5. Protective orders |
| 6. Support for victims and witnesses of stalking and harassment |
If you, or someone you know, is being stalked or harassed there are things you can do to help deal with it. You don’t have to put up with this behaviour or suffer in silence.
If you're being stalked or harassed:
- keep all contact with the stalker or harasser to a minimum
- do talk to trusted family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, or your manager about what's happening, if you feel comfortable doing so
- trust your instincts and remember it's not your fault
- report stalking or harassment to us
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
Staying safe
It's not your fault that this is happening to you and you shouldn't have to feel as if you need to adjust your behaviour any more than any of us do to stay safe from harm. You might want to consider:
- carrying a personal alarm
- parking in well-lit areas or where there is CCTV
- if you are being followed, heading for a place of safety
- making sure your home is secure
- advice on securing your tech
Find out more about how to protect yourself online
Unwanted calls
If you're receiving unwanted calls:
- if you don't know the caller, don't answer questions about yourself, no matter how honest they sound
- if you have voicemail, don't include your name or number in the message
- a voicemail message should never tell people that you're out or away
- if you’re listed in any directories, give your initials and surname rather than your full name
Get more help and advice
You can also get more help and advice from these support organisations.