Understanding Stalking and Harassment
Stalking and harassment are serious behaviours that are recognised as criminal offences under UK law. In simple terms, harassment means any unwanted behaviour that causes someone to feel distressed, alarmed, or threatened. This can include repeated phone calls, texts, emails, following someone, or turning up unexpectedly at their home or workplace. Stalking is a specific form of harassment that involves persistent and unwanted attention, often making the victim feel afraid or unsafe. Examples include monitoring someone’s movements, spying on them, or repeatedly contacting them despite being asked to stop.
The Stalking Protection Act 2019 provides legal tools to help protect people from stalking, even before a criminal charge is brought. These laws are designed to offer protection and prevent further harm.
Stalking and harassment can have a significant impact on victims, affecting their emotional wellbeing, sense of safety, and daily life. These behaviours often happen within domestic or family settings, and are closely linked to domestic abuse. Recognising the early signs is crucial for getting help and staying safe. If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing counts as stalking or harassment, our guide on recognising abuse can help you identify the warning signs and understand your options.
Legal Protections Against Stalking and Harassment
In the UK, there are several legal tools designed to protect victims of stalking and harassment, especially in domestic or family situations. The main protections include harassment injunctions and Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs), each offering different forms of support and safety.
Harassment injunctions are court orders that prevent someone from continuing abusive or threatening behaviour. These can be particularly effective in stopping harassment from a partner, ex-partner, or family member. If you need more information on how injunctions work, including who can apply and what protection they offer, visit our page on harassment injunctions.
Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) provide immediate protection for victims of stalking, whether or not criminal charges have been brought. SPOs can put restrictions on the stalker’s actions and can be applied for by the police. For a full explanation of SPOs, including how they are enforced and statutory guidance for police, see our dedicated page on Stalking Protection Orders. You can also find official guidance in the Stalking Protection Orders: statutory guidance for the police (accessible) – GOV.UK.
Other types of protective orders may also be available, depending on your circumstances. These can include restraining orders and non-molestation orders, all aimed at ensuring your safety.
The law recognises a wide range of protected persons, not just those in intimate relationships. You may qualify for legal protection whether the harassment comes from a partner, family member, neighbour, or even someone you do not know.
To learn more about each of these legal protections, follow the links to our detailed pages on harassment injunctions and Stalking Protection Orders.
Reporting Stalking and Harassment
If you are experiencing stalking or harassment, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself. In the UK, both stalking and harassment are criminal offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This law makes it illegal for someone to pursue a course of conduct that causes you alarm or distress, including repeated unwanted contact, threats, or following you.
How to Report:
You should report stalking or harassment to the police as soon as possible. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergencies, you can contact your local police station or use the non-emergency number 101. When making a report, try to provide as much detail as possible – such as dates, times, and descriptions of incidents. Keeping a record of all unwanted contact, messages, or encounters can help the police understand the situation and take action.
What to Expect:
Once you report stalking or harassment, the police will listen to your account, collect evidence, and assess your safety. They may offer immediate protection measures and can investigate further. In some cases, they may issue a warning to the perpetrator or apply for a restraining order on your behalf.
Other Support:
Stalking and harassment often overlap with domestic abuse, especially in family or former partner relationships. If this is your situation, you may also wish to report domestic abuse for additional support and protection.
For a step-by-step guide on how to report stalking or harassment, including advice on gathering evidence and what happens after you contact the authorities, visit our dedicated page. You can also learn more about your reporting options to find the best way to seek help for your situation.
Emergency Protection and Immediate Safety Measures
When you are facing stalking or harassment – especially within a domestic or family setting – taking swift action to protect yourself is crucial. Emergency protection orders are legal tools designed to provide immediate safety for those at risk of harm. These orders can be issued quickly by the courts to prevent an abuser from contacting or approaching you, offering urgent protection when you need it most.
Emergency protection orders are available when there is an immediate threat to your safety. They can be used in situations where waiting for a standard court process might put you in further danger. For example, if someone is persistently following you, sending unwanted messages, or making threats, an emergency order can help keep them away from you and your home.
The process for obtaining emergency protection starts with making an application to the court, which can often be done without notifying the other party if time is critical. The court will consider your situation and, if satisfied that you are at risk, can grant an order the same day. These orders are typically temporary but can be extended or followed by longer-term protective measures.
To better understand how these orders work and what steps to take, you can read more about emergency protection orders for abuse victims. For a detailed explanation of the different types of protective orders available through the family courts – including those relevant to stalking and harassment – see Emergency Protection Orders.
The legal framework for these protections is set out in the Family Law Act 1996, Section 44, which gives courts the power to act quickly in urgent cases.
If you believe you are in immediate danger, it is essential to act quickly. Emergency protection orders are there to help keep you safe while you consider your next steps.
Additional Support and Assistance
If you are experiencing stalking or harassment, it’s important to know that you are not alone and there is help available. In the UK, a range of support services exist to assist victims in staying safe and rebuilding their lives. These include specialist support services that can provide confidential advice, access to refuges, and help with creating a personalised safety plan.
Refuges offer a safe place to stay if you need to leave your home quickly due to safety concerns. Many organisations can also connect you with counselling and emotional support, helping you process what you’ve experienced and begin to recover. For further information on mental health and wellbeing support, you can visit Stalking – Victim Support.
If stalking or harassment means you need to move or are at risk of homelessness, you may be entitled to financial and housing assistance. This can include emergency accommodation, help with deposits, or other financial support to help you secure stability. Local councils must consider the safety and vulnerability of victims under the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. For more details on your rights and the help available, see our overview of housing assistance.
Reaching out for help as early as possible can make a significant difference to your safety and wellbeing. Whether you need practical support, legal advice, or a safe place to stay, there are organisations ready to assist you.
Understanding Legal Consequences and Handling Charges
Stalking and harassment are serious offences in the UK, especially when they occur within domestic or family relationships. Under laws such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Stalking Protection Act 2019, these behaviours can lead to criminal charges. If someone is accused of stalking or harassment as part of domestic abuse, they may face arrest, investigation, and potentially a court case.
Victims can expect the police to investigate reports of stalking or harassment thoroughly. Protective measures, such as restraining orders, may be put in place to ensure safety. Cases can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court or, for more serious matters, the Crown Court.
If you are accused of these offences, it is important to understand that the consequences can include criminal records, fines, or imprisonment. The legal process may involve interviews, court hearings, and the need to present evidence.
Whether you are a victim seeking protection or someone facing allegations, getting professional legal advice is essential. For more details on how these offences are treated under domestic abuse law, see our guide to stalking and harassment as criminal offences. If you need support with the legal process, our page on handling domestic abuse charges offers practical guidance and next steps.
Protecting Children and Vulnerable Persons
Stalking and harassment can have a serious impact on children and vulnerable individuals, both as direct victims and as witnesses to these behaviours. Exposure to repeated unwanted contact, threats, or intimidation can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and long-term psychological harm. In domestic or family settings, it’s especially important to recognise when behaviour may cross the line into child abuse.
The law in the UK provides specific protections for children and vulnerable persons in these situations. Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, courts can issue restraining orders not just for the immediate victim, but also to safeguard children or other vulnerable family members who might be at risk. These protective orders can set clear boundaries, such as preventing the perpetrator from contacting or approaching children or entering the family home.
If you are concerned about the safety of a child or vulnerable person in a stalking or harassment situation, it’s important to act quickly. Look for signs of distress or changes in behaviour, and seek advice from professionals or support services. Taking early steps can help prevent further harm and ensure that those at risk are protected. For more information on how to recognise and respond to child abuse in the context of stalking and harassment, visit our dedicated child abuse page. To understand how the law can help, learn more about protective orders and other legal measures available.
