What is stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, persistent and unwanted behaviour that is invasive and can generate fear. Stalkers can be male or female.
Stalking occurs when a person becomes fixated or obsessed with another.
Stalking is a devastating crime and its impact can result in major life changes for the victim, for example:
- Living in constant fear
- Invasion of privacy
- Threats of violence
- Loss of employment
- Having to move
- Isolation, unable to go out
- Depression, Anxiety and PTSD
- Potential physical injuries
Safety Advice
- Consider carrying a personal alarm / body camera
- Turn your phone into a GPS alarm - download safety apps such as Hollie guard, Bright Sky and set up the buddy alert with safe friends and family who can track your location in an emergency
- Vary your daily routine and take different routes to and from work
- Park in well lit areas near the public, or near CCTV. Always park facing an exit for a clear, quick get away
- If you are being followed head for a place of safety e.g. Police Station, public areas, 24 hour supermarkets, petrol stations that have CCTV
- Keep to areas in view of the public that are not isolated. Keep your phone in your hand and activate your safety app
- Review your privacy settings on all social media, and encourage friends and family to do the same
- Review your online presence by typing your name on search engines to see what information is available to the public
- Change email, social media and bank account passwords regularly, and ensure answers to security questions cannot be guessed
Finding Support
Enquiries & Agency referral forms can be obtained by emailing stalking.advocacy@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
Self-referrals can be made by calling the Stalking helpline numbers:
- Women's Helpline - 01159 476490
- Men's Helpline - 01159 605556
- You can take immediate action if you are being stalked by calling the police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 if you are in immediate danger.
Last Updated on Tuesday, September 1, 2020