Stalking is a crime – but there is still a lack of understanding about
what behaviours constitute stalking.
That is why we are supporting National Stalking Awareness Week 2019
(8-12 April), which starts today.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and persistent unwanted behaviour that
is intrusive and engenders fear. It is when one person becomes fixated
or obsessed with another and the attention is unwanted.
The behaviour may not include threats or violence, but victims may still
feel scared. Threats are not required for the criminal offence of
stalking to be prosecuted.
Monitoring, loitering, interfering and spying are types of stalking
commonly experienced by victims.
Other signs of stalking include:
Frequent phone calls and text messages
Publishing material that relates to you
Messages on social media
Notes left on your car
Gifts left at your home
Being followed
Someone visiting your home or workplace
Threats or violence
Damage to property
South Yorkshire Police Detective Inspector, Joanne Kemp said: “We take
reports of stalking very seriously and our specially trained officers
can support victims and signpost them to further help, as well as
bringing perpetrators to justice.
“There is still a lack of understanding around the types of behaviour
that are recognised as stalking in law, which is why South Yorkshire
Police is backing this national campaign.”
The week-long national campaign will focus on raising awareness of
stalking and spotting the signs that it is occurring.
If you think you are being stalked, report it to us by calling 101. If
you, or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
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[tags stalking, awareness, rotherham]