We believe Stalking is never okay and has no place within the Swansea University community. Swansea University is committed to promoting a safe and supportive environment for each and every member of our community.
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted, fixated, and obsessive behaviour which is intrusive and cause fear of violence or serious alarm or distress.
It can be difficult to know or recognise what stalking is. It can feel like harassment, however, stalking will often focus on a person, whereas harassment will often focus on disputes.
There are different types of stalking. Stalking is illegal and can include being followed or constantly contacted by another person, like being sent unwanted emails or gifts. Anyone can be a victim of stalking regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Stalking is an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1977. Someone can be prosecuted if there are at least 2 instances of stalking behaviour which causes fear or alarm. A stalker can be someone you know, or someone that you do not know. Stalking can be perpetrated by someone you know or a stranger. It can take place online, in person, or a combination of both. Either way, remember that it is not your fault, and that stalking is an offence.
Although single incidents of the above may appear to be a small act, together they create a pattern of behaviour which can be very frightening and intimidating. If unwanted behaviour is happening more than once, it's stalking.
It can be helpful to think of it as FOUR:
Fixated Obsessive Unwanted Repeated
If the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing you to experience fear, distress or anxiety then you should seek help and support.
Stalking Behaviours
Although each stalking situation is unique and stalkers may have different motivations, the tactics and techniques employed by each are often very similar. Examples of this could be:
Loitering in a public or private place | Monitoring someone's phone, internet, email or social media |
Watching or spying on someone | Following someone/some else who is associated with that person |
Interfering with someone's property | Leaving unwanted gifts/notes |
Repeatedly appearing in places where the person is | Contacting or attempting to contact a person by any means |
Publishing material about someone without consent | Befriending the victims friends and family by any means |
This is by no means an exhaustive list and each instance of stalking may present unique circumstances that are not listed above.
You can contact the police if you're being stalked. You have a right to feel safe.
If you'd prefer not to involve the police you can apply to court for civil orders – like a non-harassment order – if there's been at least 2 instances of harassment.
You can also report the incident anonymously by calling crime stoppers at any point on 0800 555 111
Support
Stalking can be particularly hard to cope with because it can go on for a long period of time, making you feel constantly anxious and afraid. Sometimes the problem can build up slowly and it can take a while for you to realise that you are caught up in an ongoing campaign of abuse. For more information and support, check out our Stalking Support page.