London Stalking Support Service

What is Stalking?

This is not an alternative to the emergency services. Call 999 if you feel at risk or are in danger.

What is Stalking?

Stalking is never your fault.

Stalking is two or more incidents of unwanted contact that causes the victim to feel alarm, distress or in fear of violence. Stalking is motivated by a fixation and obsession and can impact your daily life.

Am I being stalked?

FAQs

Stalking can look different for everyone:

Here are some signs that what you are experiencing may be stalking:

Repeated unwanted calls, texts or messages.

Making you feel scared or unsafe in your own home.

Contacting your friends, family or workplace.

Following you, watching you or showing up where you are.

Sending unwanted gifts, letters or emails.

Monitoring you online or on social media.

FOUR signs of stalking:

Think FOUR to help identify signs of stalking.

Fixated

The person is fixated on getting your attention by any means.

Obsessive

Unwanted contact continues despite not responding or asking the stalker to stop.

Unwanted

The contact is unwanted, whether in person, online, through calls, texts or other behaviour.

Repeated

A sustained pattern over time rather than a one-off incident.

Different Types of Stalking:

Stalking can consist of many different types of behaviours, which are often overlapping and can sometimes exist at the same time.

Online stalking/ cyberstalking

Includes unwanted contact online, tracking, monitoring or misuse of devices.

Stalking in the workplace

Includes behaviour that interferes with your work.

Physical stalking

Includes following, unwanted contact, loitering or showing up where you are.

Am I being stalked?

If you are unsure if you are being stalked, this tool will provide further guidance and information including next steps.

Start the assessment

Personal Safety Advice:

If you feel in immediate danger call the police on 999
Stop all contact with your stalker unless it is safe to do so
Report all incidents to 101, the police non-emergency number
Talk to people you trust about the stalking to access support. You are not alone
Above everything, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, get in touch

Frequently asked questions:

What is stalking?

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes fear, alarm or distress. It can happen in person, online or through other people.

Is stalking a crime?

Yes. Stalking is a criminal offence. If you are worried about someone’s behaviour, you can report it to the police and seek specialist advice.

What should I do first?

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you are not in immediate danger, consider keeping a record of incidents, telling someone you trust and contacting the National Stalking Helpline for advice.

Should I respond to the stalker?

If you feel that it is safe to do so, we advise that you cease all contact with the person making unwanted contact to you. In our experience, people who engage in unwanted behaviour are often trying to elicit some kind of response or reaction from their victims.

How do I collect evidence?

Keep a log of incidents, including dates, times, locations, screenshots, messages, call logs, photos and details of any witnesses. Try to store evidence somewhere safe.

Can stalking happen online?

Yes. Cyberstalking can include unwanted messages, monitoring social media, fake accounts, tracking devices, spyware or sharing private information.

What if the police don’t take me seriously?

You can ask for the incident to be reviewed, request to speak to another officer, keep reporting new incidents and contact the helpline for support with next steps.

Can stalking happen at work?

Yes. Stalking can affect the workplace, including unwanted contact at work, showing up at your workplace, contacting colleagues or trying to find out your schedule.