What is stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes you to feel distressed or scared. It can be perpetrated by men or women.
Stalking can consist of any type of behaviour such as regularly sending flowers or gifts, making unwanted or malicious communication, damaging property and physical or sexual assault. If the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing you fear, distress or anxiety then it is stalking and you should not have to live with it.
Stalking often has a huge emotional impact on those it affects. It can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder. It can be a psychological as well as a physical crime.
The National Stalking Helpline, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, provides practical information, guidance and emotional support to anyone in the UK who is experiencing stalking or worried about someone’s behaviour.
Call the helpline on 0808 802 0300 Monday and Wednesday 09:30 – 20:00 and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 09:30 – 16:00 (please note the helpline is not open on weekends or bank holidays).
Am I being stalked?
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust ‘Am I being stalked’ tool is available to help you with the following:
- The law in relation to stalking and harassment in the United Kingdom
- Reporting stalking or harassment
- Effective gathering of evidence
- Improving your personal safety and that of your friends and family
- Practical steps to reduce the risk
- Accessing local services such as housing, emotional support etc.
Please be aware that this tool is unable to give you a definitive answer as to whether you are being stalked or not, if you would like to know more about this, please call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or email info@suzylamplugh.org
https://www.suzylamplugh.org/am-i-being-stalked-tool
Stop Domestic Abuse Stalking Advocacy and Support Services Team
If you think you’re experiencing stalking, trust your instincts and take steps to protect yourself. Below are some things you can do straight away:
- Keep a diary of events – note the date, time, location, what happened, and any witnesses.
- Save all communication – keep letters, texts, emails, and take screenshots of online messages (e.g. on Facebook).
- Contact the Stop Domestic Abuse Advice Line on 0330 0533 630 for confidential support and guidance.