What to do
If you think you are or may be being stalked, or are worried about someone’s obsessive or controlling behaviour
Tell people
Let someone know what is happening: talk to a friend, family member, teacher, or tutor.
Reach out
Get specialist help: such as Paladin, or the National Stalking Helpline (see below).
Keep a diary
Record what is going on and, importantly, how it made you feel. Keep evidence such as screenshots, photos, or gifts.
Call the police
Call 101 (or 999 in an emergency). Stalking is a crime and you deserve to be safe.
Vary your routines
Change your routes. Don’t always buy a coffee from the same shop at the same time.
Be cybersecure!
Check your passwords, check your privacy settings, and check your digital footprint.
Always remember, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.
You did nothing wrong. You did not lead them on.
You do not have to go along with them to stop them getting angry or make them leave you alone.
Advice and support
National support services
National Stalking Helpline
Operated by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims.
- Website
- Helpline: 0808 802 0300
- On-line form
Cyber Helpline
The Cyber Helpline is a free, confidential helpline for individuals who have been a victim of cyber crime.
Paladin
Paladin provides support, advice and advocacy to high-risk victims of stalking. If you’re a young person, 16–25 years old, and think you are experiencing stalking, Paladin have a specialist young person’s ISAC (Independent Stalking Advocate) who can talk to you about this.
- Website
- Helpline: 020 3866 4107
Local support services
Essex
Changing Pathways
The Independent Stalking Advocacy team supports people experiencing stalking who live in the Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford, Thurrock, Harlow and Epping Forest areas. The service can also support victims who do not have a direct link to the person who is stalking them.
- Website
- Helpline: 0330 333 7444
Gloucestershire
Splitz Support Service
This specialist service provides advocacy, advice and support for high risk stalking victims in Gloucestershire. The National Stalking Helpine (see above) offers a triage service and makes referrals.
- Helpline: 0800 802 0300 (via National Stalking Helpline)
Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Aurora New Dawn
Our Stalking Advocates are always on hand to offer support whenever we’re needed and to ensure that victims in Hamphsire and the Isle of Wight are protected, safe and aware of their rights under the law.
- Website
- Helpline: 02392 479 254
Lancashire (Flyde Coast)
Fylde Coast Women’s Aid
Specialist support, advice and advocacy to victims in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast area
- Website
- Helpline: 01253 596699
- On-line form
Leicestershire
Women’s Aid Leicestershire
Support for victims of stalking in Leicestershire
- Helpline: 07966 391823
Sussex
Veritas Justice
Confidential advice and support for people affected by stalking in Sussex
- Website
- Helpline: 01273 234773
- On-line form
Sussex Stalking Support
- Helpline: 01273 083647
Tyne & Wear (Wearside)
Wearside Women in Need
Support for victims of stalking in Sunderland and the surrounding area
- Website
- Helpline: 0800 066 5555
West Midlands (Black Country)
Black Country Women’s Aid
Our West Midlands Stalking Support Service supports women and men over 13 who are experiencing stalking and harassment in Birmingham, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
- Website
- Helpline: 0121 553 0090
- Text support: 07384 466 181
Are you a young person?
Young people and children can experience stalking in different ways from adults. There are a range of resources which are aimed at young people to help you to know what to do, and to spot the risks.
Confidentiality
All of these services are bound by confidentiality promises, which means they will not share what you tell them with anyone, and information remains private.
An organisation only might need to say or do something if:
- You ask them to;
- They believe your life or someone else’s life is in danger;
- You’re being hurt by someone in a position of trust who is able to hurt others like a teacher, religious leader, sports coach, police officer or doctor;
- You tell them about another person who is being hurt and is not able to tell someone or understand what is happening to them; or
- They are told to by law, for example for a court case.
Read the confidentiality promise here.
Childline
Childline is run by the NSPCC.
You can contact them free by phone: 0800 1111.
You can email them through a Childline account: login or sign up!
You can also talk to them with a British Sign Language Interpreter.
Ask Sam
You can Ask Sam a question! Ask Sam is a free, confidential service. Anyone can write in with their problem and a few letters are responded to each week. You can also read advice to people who have similar problems to you.
This post describes a stalking situation involving someone the young person knows.
This post describes a situation about a friend needing support.
NSPCC
The NSPCC also has lots of advice for parents, such as this page about social media, which includes information about stalking.
The Mix
A helpful article on What is stalking?
National Stalking Helpline
Paladin
Paladin is the National Stalking Advocacy in England and Wales. Their Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) ensure victims of stalking are supported to keep them safe.
They have a caseworker dedicated to young people experiencing stalking.
Phone number: 0203 866 4107
If you have done some of these things yourself, or know someone who has
If you have done some of these things, you may already be committing the offence of stalking and YOU NEED TO STOP NOW! Stalking is an obsession and it is illegal—you can face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
You may find it helpful to contact Respect, who can provide help to those offenders who recognise that they have a problem. The number is 0808 802 4040 and the line is open Monday–Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.
About us
We exist to raise awareness of stalking (including coercive control), to ensure that relevant legislation is effective and adhered to, and to bring about lasting improvements in the management of perpetrators and the protection of victims.
The Alice Ruggles Trust is member of the National Stalking Consortium.
Quick links
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