Domestic abuse and violence

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Stalking and harassment

What is stalking?

Stalking is when someone repeatedly watches, follows or contacts another person in a way that feels threatening or intrusive.

Examples include:

  • Repeatedly showing up where you are
  • Constantly calling, texting or messaging you
  • Tracking your location
  • Following you online or in person.
     

What is harassment?

Harassment is unwanted behaviour that upsets, threatens or pressures someone. It can happen in person, online, at work of anywhere else.

Examples include:

  • Repeated rude or threatening messages
  • Name calling, bullying or insults
  • Spreading rumours
  • Unwanted comments or attention

Harassment can be a one-time serious act, or it can happen repeatedly.
 

Is stalking and harassment the same?

They are similar, but not the same. Stalking usually involves repeated following watching or contacting someone. Harassment can be any unwanted behaviour that upsets or threatens a person. Both can make someone feel unsafe.

It isn’t up to you to decide whether a behaviour is classed as stalking or harassment!

If it makes you feel unsafe, report it and seek out support.
 

Why it matters

Stalking and harassment can have a serious impact on someone’s life. It can cause serious anxiety and fear; and can make everyday tasks – like going to work, using the internet or spending time with friends – feel overwhelming.

Over time, this behaviour can affect a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing, their relationships and their sense of freedom and safety.

Everyone has the right to live without fear. Recognising the signs is the first step toward getting support and staying safe.
 

Help and support

If you think you are being stalked:

  • Trust your instincts and stay safe
  • Log the behaviours (diary of dates and times) and gather evidence (screenshots, photos and saved emails)
  • Talk to people you trust about what is happening (e.g. friends, family, a teacher, healthcare professional or a helpline)
  • Report the behaviours if you are concerned.

For more tips and advice, visit: Stalking help and advice | Suzy Lamplugh Trust
 

What if I think this is happening to someone I know?

If you are concerned about someone of something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. You can support the victim by encouraging them to seek help and document the stalking.
 

Where else can I seek support?

Be an active bystander #JustAct

To be an active bystander in Bolton, (or anywhere else), you can use a range of safe intervention techniques to disrupt potentially problematic situations and support those being harassed.

The primary principle is to ONLY INTERVENE IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

Cause a Distraction – Break the tension, start a random conversation, anything to shift attention. By creating a distraction to interrupt the situation you allow the targeted person to leave or the situation to diffuse.

Call for Help – Delegate. Ask for help from someone in a position of authority who is better placed to intervene, such as venue staff, a bus driver, security or the police.

Create a Record – Document. Make a note of what happened, including time, place and details of the incidents and individuals involved. This can provide crucial evidence if the victim choses to report it.

Check in after – Delay. If the situation is not safe to intervene at the time, wait until it passes and then check in with the person who was targeted. Offer support, ask if they are okay and help them to report the incident if they wish.