Stalking is illegal and can include being followed or constantly contacted by another person, like being sent unwanted emails or gifts. Both men and women can be victims of stalking.
Stalking can be an example of domestic abuse and coercive control. See the Support section on Domestic abuse, Coercive control and Gender Based violence (GBV) here.
Someone can be prosecuted if there are at least 2 instances of stalking behaviour which causes fear or alarm. ‘Fear and alarm’ covers physical or psychological harm, or apprehension or fear for the safety of the perceived victim or any other person.
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.
Stalking can be an example of domestic abuse and coercive control. See the Support section on Domestic abuse, Coercive control and Gender Based violence (GBV) here.
Someone can be prosecuted if there are at least 2 instances of stalking behaviour which causes fear or alarm. ‘Fear and alarm’ covers physical or psychological harm, or apprehension or fear for the safety of the perceived victim or any other person.
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.
- Following someone or someone else who is associated with that person.
- Contacting or attempting to contact a person by any means.
- Publishing material about someone without their consent.
- Monitoring someone’s phone, internet, email or other form of communication.
- Loitering in a public or private place.
- Interfering with someone’s property.
- Leaving unwanted gifts or notes for someone.
- Watching or spying on someone.
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 think you are being stalked or are suffering harassment, please report your concerns to Police Scotland 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.
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 contact the police if you're being stalked. You have a right to feel safe. - If you think you are being stalked or are suffering harassment, please report your concerns to Police Scotland 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.
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
There are a large number of support services you or someone who has been stalked can call or visit:
- National Stalking Helpline - 0808 802 0300. The Helpline is open 09:30 to 16:00 weekdays except Wednesdays when it is open 13:00 to 16:00. The Helpline is not open on bank holidays
- The Suzy Lamplugh Trust - Stalking information and support service
- Paladin - High-risk stalking support service, advice, guidance and links
- Protection Against Stalking - Advice and testimonials from people who have been stalked
- Mygov.scot - Practical advice and Stalking Support
- FollowIt App – can be downloaded to record incidents of stalking
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the GSA's Counselling Service offers confidential help to students. Register online via: https://live.uniticms.com/gsamhw/ to request a counselling appointment.
If you are in immediate danger or are seriously injured, please call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
If you need immediate support or feel in crisis, we have listed several emergency services contact details on GSA's external website that you may find helpful.
Students can access information on GSA's student services here
Staff can access information on GSA staff services here
Students and staff can also access support through: Papyrus Hopeline247 - Prevention of young suicide. This is a 24/7 service for young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as for anyone who is concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org to stay safe or to keep someone safe from suicide.