Stalking is a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, and intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim. Stalking can consist of any type of behaviour, such as regularly sending flowers or gifts, making unwanted or malicious communication, damaging property and physical or sexual assault. If the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing you fear, distress or anxiety, then it is stalking and you should not have to live with it. There are many ways stalking can be perpetrated, include cyberstalking, and it is most likely to be someone the recipient already knows well, such as an ex-partner.
Harassment is when a person behaves in a way which is intended to cause distress or alarm. The behaviour must happen on more than one occasion. It can be the same type of behaviour or different types of behaviour on each occassion. Rights of Women have created a number of fact sheets about Harassment and the law.
What support is available for incidents of stalking and harassment?