Stalking or harassment
Stalking is "a pattern of unwanted, fixated and obsessive behaviour which is intrusive. It can include harassment that amounts to stalking or stalking that causes fear of violence or serious alarm or distress."
Harassment is "criminal conduct which causes alarm or distress or puts people in fear of violence; offences under sections 2 and 4 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997"
A stalker is obsessed or fixated with the victim. A stalker's behaviour often means that a victim has to change their day-to-day routine to try and avoid the behaviour.
Stalking does not just take place within an intimate relationship. Stalking can occur in other settings, such as the workplace.
The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 created two new offences of stalking by inserting new sections 2A and 4A into the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The new offences came into force on 25 November 2012. For more information, read the Home Office guidance.
There is no strict legal definition of 'stalking'. However, section 2A (3) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 gives examples of acts or omissions which are often associated with stalking, such as:
- following a person
- watching or spying on someone
- forcing contact with the victim through any means, including social media
The effect of such behaviour is to curtail a victim's freedom. It may leave them feeling that they constantly have to be careful.
In many cases, the conduct might appear innocent, taken in isolation. However, when carried out repeatedly as a course of conduct, it may cause significant alarm, harassment or distress to the victim.
There are various agencies which can support stalking victims.
- The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
- The Alice Ruggles Trust
- The Hollie Gazzard Trust
- Paladin
- National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
- Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111
For more information, visit www.domesticabuselincolnshire.com
There are also a variety of apps to download which can help to safeguard a person, such as:
- Bright Sky - allows users to journal incidents safely, get information on other services available for support
- Hollie Guard - can track you, tell friends and family you are in danger and record incidents safely
Individuals must remember that they are not alone and are not to blame. Employees suffering abuse can refer to any of the support services detailed in this policy and on our website. Our employee support and counselling service is also available.
We encourage employees to speak to their manager for support if domestic abuse:
- affects their health and wellbeing
- hinders their ability to do their job
- puts them at risk while carrying out their work duties