Stalking and harassment
Harassment and stalking both involve unwanted behaviour, but stalking goes beyond this.
Understanding stalking
Stalking is driven by a fixation or obsession with a specific person and is typically characterised by a pattern of fixated, obsessive, repeated and unwanted behaviour.
The four acronym is a good way to help you identify it:
- Fixated
- Obsessive
- Unwanted
- Repeated
If you are experiencing persistent unwanted contact that is causing you distress, even if the person has never threatened you, this is stalking and it is illegal.
Signs of stalking
Stalking can involve a range of behaviours, including:
- Unwanted phone calls, texts or messages
- Contact via social media
- Unwanted or malicious communication
- Sending unwanted or excessive gifts
- Showing up at your place of work or other regularly visited places
- Approaching you, your family or friends
- Damaging your property
- Physical or sexual assault
If you are being stalked
If you are being stalked you should:
- Report it to the police and tell trusted people as soon as possible
- Keep all evidence, including any unwanted gifts and messages
- Record what is happening by keeping a diary or log
- Get support from a specialist service
- Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right