What is Stalking?
Stalking is defined as persistent and unwanted attention by any person including; partner, family member or stranger. This can result in the victim experiencing alarm, distress or fear and significantly impact their quality of life.
The F.O.U.R acronym is often used to define and identify a pattern of stalking behaviours
F.O.U.R acronym
Stalking behaviours can include:
- Phone calls
- Following a person
- Messages
- Malicious communications
- Threatening behaviour
- Surveillance
- Loitering outside of workplace, home or education setting
- Unwanted gifts
- Tracking
- Property damage
- Hacking electronic devices.
Stalking tactics are diverse and utilise both online and offline methods, which is known as ‘cyber-stalking’. Usually, the campaign of stalking builds up over a period of time and some tactics can be hidden or minimised. Usually perpetrators tactics will focus on: surveillance, interference, life invasion and/or intimidation towards the victim.
Support and Safety:
If you, or someone you know is being stalked or harassed, there are things you can do to help:
- Keep all contact with the stalker or harasser to a minimum
- Do talk to trusted family, friends, neighbours, colleagues or your manager about what's happening, if you feel comfortable doing so
- Trust your instincts and remember it is not your fault
- Report stalking or harassment to the police, University or workplace for support.
It is encouraged to keep a record of all interactions and incidents:
- Record each incident as soon as possible afterwards, note the time and date.
- Note details of any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything.
- Keep a record of how the person harassing you looked e.g. details of what they were wearing or their vehicle.
- Keep a log of messages, record phone calls
Impact of Stalking:
The impact of stalking varies and depends on: the relationship between the victim and the stalker, the types of stalking behaviour experienced, and the victim's own experiences. However, it is shown in research that stalking can impact all areas of a victim’s life.
The Impact of Stalking
What support services are available to victims?
It is important to remember that you are not alone, and support is always available!
Below you can find services available to everyone who may be impacted by stalking.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 straight away
- National Stalking Helpline (0808 802 0300) - freephone helpline open 09:30 - 16:00 weekdays, except for Wednesday when it is open 13:00 to 16:00. The Helpline is not open on bank holidays
- Paladin (0203 866 4107) - The National Stalking Advocacy Service provides trauma informed support, advice and advocacy to high risk victims of stalking. 9am-3pm Monday-Friday except Wednesdays when the line is open 10am-5pm
- Protection Against Stalking - A national charity raising awareness of stalking and harassment and supporting victims and their families.
If you are a student at the University, you can speak to the Standing Together team for support. You can make a disclosure via Report and Support, and a member of the team will be in touch.