Harassment and stalking case studies

Sally’s story

Sally was in an abusive relationship for 13 years. When she left her partner, he continued to control her through access to their child. Sally decided to cut all contact with her ex-partner when she was diagnosed with a stress-related health condition. The decision to cut all contact triggered an escalation in her ex-partner’s harassment, with around 60 emails and 20 text messages a day. It was at this point Sally decided to contact the police for advice.

Sally described the first response she received from the police as ‘fantastic’. They took a statement from her and issued her ex-partner with a Police Information Notice (PIN). Unfortunately, this warning did not stop the unwanted contact. She continued to receive emails, text messages and contact via social media. The police spoke to her ex-partner to warn him and remind him of the PIN. Her ex-partner’s behaviour became more insidious, with items being left at her property, which made Sally fearful as she knew he had been to her home address. The situation escalated when Sally’s car was damaged. The police were called and tried to locate her ex-partner.

After this Sally witnessed her ex-partner returning to her address and smashing a glass bottle over her car. Following this, the police arrested and charged him with harassment, and the court issued him with a restraining order not to contact Sally and not to go to her street.

Elaine’s story

Elaine became aware of the stalking when seven websites were created about her. They contained malicious content about Elaine, including pictures of her, details of her personal life which were then shared with her children and her previous employers.

When Elaine initially contacted the police, she felt that they were not interested and advised Elaine that there was not enough evidence to arrest the person as there was no direct threat. It took 12 months of monitoring the posts before the person was arrested and given a conditional caution.

Elaine was informed that this was because the CPS did not feel there would be enough evidence for a conviction at court. Since the caution was issued, content has continued to be posted. However, the police have advised that an offence is not being committed because Elaine is no longer being named within the content.

Elaine described the impact this has had on both her and her family. She was afraid to go out of the house, she had to change to a lower-paid job where she would have some anonymity, her children had to move schools and she has suffered with anxiety. Elaine became aware of the stalking when seven websites were created about her. They contained malicious content about Elaine, including pictures of her, details of her personal life which were then shared with her children and her previous employers.

When Elaine initially contacted the police, she felt that they were not interested and advised Elaine that there was not enough evidence to arrest the person as there was no direct threat. It took 12 months of monitoring the posts before the person was arrested and given a conditional caution.

Elaine was informed that this was because the CPS did not feel there would be enough evidence for a conviction at court. Since the caution was issued, content has continued to be posted. However, the police have advised that an offence is not being committed because Elaine is no longer being named within the content.

Elaine described the impact this has had on both her and her family. She was afraid to go out of the house, she had to change to a lower-paid job where she would have some anonymity, her children had to move schools and she has suffered with anxiety.