Stalking & Harrassment

Stalking and Harrassment:

Findings from the British Crime Survey 2004 show that every year in the UK 1.2 million women and 900000 men are victims of harassment.

Everyone has the right to live safely and witout fear. Being stalked or harasssed, or worrying about being stalked or harassed, takes an enormous toll upon your health and emotional stae of mind.

Stalking and Harassment can be in person, by phone, by mail (letters), by text, by email, over the Internet (cybertalking).

The police and courts can take action so contact the Community Safety Unit  or in an emergency always dial 999. 0208 733 3462

If You are Being Stalked or Harassed:

• Keep a diary of all incidents - dates, times, what happened, was anyone else there
  
• Report any incidents to the Police (keep a list of names of people you speak with and what they said)
  
• If you are receiving silent or threatening phone calls, remail calm, don't engage with the caller, don't disclose any personal information; keep any answer phone messages short e.g. "I can't take your call right now" Contact BT Malicious Callers Bureau.
  
• Report all threatening or malicious calls to the Police as they can work with BT to trace the call
  
• Always keep malicious or threatening text messages and report them to the Police
  
• If you are being stalked try to avoid going tout alone and keep to busy public places
  
• Get a personal alarm and carry it with you
  
• Carry a mobile phone at all times
  
• If you think you are being followed go into the nearest shop to get help
  
• If you are not near a shop then go to the nearest house and ask them to contact the Police
  
• If you notice cars following you or outside your house then always take make, model and registration, date, time etc. and report this to the Police if you keep seeing the same car
  
• Contact Housing Assessment team to see if you are eligible for the Sanctuary Scheme
  
• Contact a support agency in the services section to get emotional support through counselling or outreach work
  
• This is not your fault, get the help and support you need

For Further Information and Support:

• Support Line Telephone Helpline
  
• The National Stalking Helpline
  
• Victim Support Line
  
• BT Malicious Calls Bureau
  
• Sanctury Leaflet

In An Emergency Always Dial 999