I am/ have been experienced Stalking

Stalking is never ok. If you are being stalked or think that you are being stalked do not feel it is because of something you have done, it is not your fault. Do not feel embarrassed about it and try to talk to someone about it.

Where to start:

Are you in immediate danger? 

• If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured on campus you can contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone)
• If you are on Campus you can also contact Campus Security Services – by dialling 333 from any zoom phone, 01792513333 on a mobile or by using our SafeZone app.

If you are not in immediate danger:

• Find a safe space:  If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe. 
• Tell yourself: Sometimes the first person a victim needs to disclose to is themselves. Too often victims can internalise message that it’s “harmless” or was somehow their fault. 

Talk

• To a friend: Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
• Student Support: A member of the Welfare@CampusLife team can talk through the University's procedures, how you want to proceed and what support is available.

What are the signs you are being stalked?

Impact of Stalking:

The impact of stalking varies and depends on' the relationship between the victim and the stalker, types of stalking behaviour experienced and the victims' own experiences. Although, it is seen in research that a stalker can impact all areas of a victim's life.

Impact of Stalking

If you are experiencing unwanted, repeated, obsessive and/or controlling behaviours that make you distressed or scared, you may be being stalked. There are many ways stalking can be perpetrated it is most likely to be someone you already know well such as an ex-partner. There are lots of people and places that can support you if you are being stalked.

REPORTING TO THE POLICE:

Stalking is a Criminal Offence.

If you think you are being stalked, please report your concerns to Police at your local police station. You can also call the Police non-urgently to report something of concern or even discuss a situation on 101, online or via 999 if it is an emergency. 

You can also report the incident anonymously by calling crime stoppers at any point on 0800 555 111

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS:

• Report and Support. Students can disclose an incident(s) on behalf of themselves or another student using the University’s Report and Support system. Staff can make a report on behalf of a student. The purpose of this system is to provide support in the event of sexual misconduct or abuse. You can also choose to make an anonymous report.
• The Welfare@CampusLife team are the recommended first point of contact for any student who has been impacted by violence and abuse, including stalking. If you have experienced stalking and would like to speak with someone about your experience, make a named disclosure via Report and Support.  

Keeping yourself Safe

Here are some things you can do to make yourself safer and more in control of what is happening to you. Remember, this is NOT your fault.

Gather evidence

Whether you want to report or not gather evidence of what is happening is helpful and will help you feel more in control and if you do want to report it will be easier to do so.

• Use Follow it app which helps you record stalking as it happens
• Hollie Guard – Personal Safety App
• Take screenshots of any emails and save copies of them.
• Risk Checklist – Complete the 11 Risk Screening Questions - If you think you are at risk complete the stalking screening checklist 
• Trust your instinct and never make contact with your stalker- always trust your instinct and if you are frightened or worried call the police or go to safe place. Ensure you do not contact or respond to the stalker in any other way. 

Report

• Report and Support. Students can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details, a member of the Student Support and Welfare Team will be able to talk through the options and support available to you.
• · University Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.

Get Support

Find out what support is available

 Consider your safety online

• Check your online presence and review your settings. 
• Change passwords regularly, and make sure they are different. 
• Change your settings on social media and social networking platforms to private. Check the privacy settings.
• Report unwanted messaging and contact that takes places on social networks or media to the platform providers. 

Keep Records

• Keep a record of what happened, where and when, every time you were followed, phoned, received post or e-mail.  Write the information down as soon as possible, when events are still fresh in your mind.  
• The more details you have the better. How did the offender look or sound? What were they wearing? What is the make and number plate or colour of their car?
• Keep letters, and parcels as evidence. Even if they contain frightening or upsetting messages, do not throw them away and handle them as little as possible.
• Keep copies of e-mails, text messages and social network messages. Print copies if you can.
• Keep a record of telephone numbers. Tape-record telephone conversations if you can.
• Tell your friends, neighbours and work colleagues about what is happening.
• Try to get photographic or video evidence of your stalker (especially if they are someone already warned by the police not to come near you).

If you know or find out, who is stalking you:

• Do not confront your stalker or engage them in conversation.
• Do not, under any circumstances, agree to meet with them to talk about how you feel about them 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.