Stalking And Harassment
Although there have been a number of high-profile celebrity cases reported in the media over recent years, stalking remains a relatively unusual occurrence. It isn't confined to the rich and famous however. It can happen to anyone and can cause anguish and suffering to both the victim and their family.
We've put together the following information and advice to help if you think you or someone you know is being stalked.
What is ‘stalking'?
Stalking can be defined as persistent and unwanted attention where the victim feels pestered and harassed.
Although ‘stalking' is not a recognised criminal offence, the police use powers under the Protection from Harassment Act, 1997 to protect people who are the focus of persistent unsociable conduct that causes them harassment, alarm or distress. This persistent and obsessive behaviour could include:
- Being followed or watched
- Phone calls
- E-mails
- Text messages
- Letters
- Cards
- Gifts
Persistent is defined in this instance as being on at least two occasions. The two occasions do not need to be the same type of harassment - one could be a phone call and the other being followed for example - but they do need to be relatively close together in terms of timescale.
If you believe you or someone you know is being stalked or harassed, please click on the sections below to find out more: