Harassment is behaviour that is repeated and unwanted by the victim and causes them alarm and distress.
Being harassed can take many different forms such as:
- Frequent, unwanted contact
- Driving past the victim's home or work
- Following or watching the victim
- Sending unwanted letters or gifts to the victim
- Damaging the victim's property
Stalking
Stalking is a term used for a particular kind of 'harassment'. Generally it describes a long term pattern of persistent and repeated behaviour. It occurs in a wide variety of situations - the most common reports relate to ex-partners and/or acquaintances.
Stalking is a criminal offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
If you feel a person's behaviour is putting you in immediate danger, you should call 999 straight away.