What You Should Do If You Are Being Persistently Harassed

If you believe you are being stalked or harassed, as well as reporting this to the police, there are a number of other practical measures you should take:

• Make family, friends, neighbours and colleagues aware of what is happening. Tell them if you're going out and what time you plan to be back.
• Always carry a mobile phone with you.
• Carry a personal attack alarm and make sure you know how to use it. Do not carry anything that is meant for use as a weapon.
• Try to alter your daily routines and whenever possible, ask friends to accompany you when you go out.
• Avoid unwanted phone calls by using an answering machine or a phone with caller ID to screen calls and ensure you only talk to the people you want to.
• If an answering machine can't be used, make sure you answer the phone by saying 'hello'. Don't say your name or phone number.
• If it is a nuisance caller, keep calm, do not show emotion. Many callers give up if they don't think they're making an impression on you.
• If a caller is persistent, put the handset down on a table and walk away. After a few minutes replace the handset.
• Don't confront a stalker or engage them in conversation.
• Do not, under any circumstances, agree to a meeting to talk about how you feel about them constantly bothering you.
• Do not respond in any way to calls, letters, or conversations. If you ignore the phone nine times and pick it up on the tenth, you will send the message that persistence pays. Once they have your attention, they will be encouraged to carry on.