Anti Stalking Harassment
Are you being stalked?
Stalking is a criminal offence, whereby a person intrudes upon the private life of another, often high profile, individual. Stalking behaviour will sometimes include physically following the victim but can be conducted via the Internet or other forms of technology.
The crime of stalking was first brought to the attention of the masses via tabloids in the United States, and usually focused on celebrities who were experiencing unwanted and repeated attention from obsessive ‘fans’.
In essence, any wilful and repeated behaviour which results in threats to personal safety (or the fear of a threat to personal safety) can be regarded as stalking. In some cases, stalking can escalate to include threats of violence, damage to property and actual violence.
As well as the obvious anxiety caused by stalking, victims sometimes find it necessary to change phone numbers or even move house or leave their occupation. They may not realise that the law provides protection from stalking and other forms of harassment or, if they do, may lack the evidence or confidence to tackle the problem. Fearing recriminations, they may feel unable to alert the authorities, leading to an increasing feeling of isolation.
Clearly, it is of paramount importance that stalking behaviour is recognised early and dealt with quickly to prevent any escalation of unwanted behaviour.
Stalking and harassment
Stalking is one of a number of types of harassment. Harassment is taken very seriously by the government, with offenders facing up to six months imprisonment and considerable fines. According to the Protection from Harassment Act (1997), anyone who knows that their course of conduct is likely to create the fear of intended violence, and yet persists in that course of action, is guilty of a criminal offence. In order to prosecute offenders, evidence needs to be collected and presented to the relevant authorities.
A crucial aspect of harassment is repetition. Many of the behaviours that are considered to constitute stalking or harassment are, in isolation, legal. For example, sending an unwanted gift or calling a stranger on the telephone would not come under the definition of harassment. Once these behaviours are repeated, you have a case for harassment.
Gemstone provides lasting peace of mind
Several high-profile cases of stalking, both in the UK and United States, have prompted a surge in the interest of personal security and anti-stalking/harassment provision.
Gemstone can provide an effective anti-stalking/harassment service which ensures you are protected at all times. We will also gather evidence on your behalf and liaise with the appropriate authorities in order to bring offenders to justice. We can help you prove that you have reasonable grounds for a harassment case and support you with your dealings with the authorities.
For example, the Protection from Harassment Act (1997) states that an unwanted course of conduct (e.g. making an uninvited phone call, sending a gift or following someone home) only has to occur twice for it to constitute harassment. Gemstone will document any and all unwanted intrusions into your private life and present this evidence in the most effective way, using our extensive knowledge of the legal process.
If you believe that you are, or are at risk of, being stalked or harassed, please call us today to discuss our anti-stalking/harassment protection plan.
