Stalking can be a terrifying and isolating experience, often leaving victims feeling unsafe and anxious. With stalking incidents on the rise, people often don’t know where to go for help. Making sure that you know your rights and understand the laws that protect you is essential. Hiring a private investigator can be an invaluable step toward ensuring your safety and obtaining the evidence needed to support your case.
In this post, we’ll explain the key laws surrounding stalking, your rights and how working with a private investigator can help.
What is stalking?
Stalking typically involves unwanted, repeated attention from another person that causes the victim to feel harassed, threatened or fearful for their safety. This may include unwanted contact, following or surveilling, sending unsolicited messages or gifts and even making threats. The impact of stalking is huge, often leading to emotional and psychological distress and, in extreme cases, physical harm.
Victims of stalking might hesitate to report it, fearing it could worsen the situation, not wanting to ‘make a fuss’ or hoping the behaviour will eventually stop. However, taking proactive steps towards a stalker investigation is an important way to protect yourself and keep safe.
Stalking laws: Your legal protection
Laws on stalking vary by region, but in the UK, they have been significantly strengthened over the past decade. Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, stalking and harassment are classed as criminal offences. Also, the protection it offers victims has grown over the years, due to the amendments added.
Stalking offences can range from harassment that causes distress to actions that may result in physical harm.
The legal definition of stalking includes the following behaviours:
- Following someone without their knowledge or consent
- Repeatedly contacting someone (calls, messages, emails)
- Watching or spying on someone
- Loitering near someone’s home or workplace
- Harassing friends or family of the victim
- Monitoring social media or online activities
Victim rights
If you are a victim of stalking, you have specific legal rights. Understanding these rights can help you feel more confident about taking action. They include:
- Right to report: You have the right to report stalking to the police, who are required to investigate and provide support if needed.
- Protection orders: Victims can apply for a Stalking Protection Order (SPO) to prevent the stalker from contacting or approaching them.
- Anonymity and privacy: Anonymity in court can be given to victims to protect their identity while presenting evidence.
- Legal compensation: Victims could be eligible for financial compensation to cover damages resulting from stalking.
- Support services: Counselling and legal guidance are available for victims in any stalking case.
How to know when to act
It can be challenging to know when to take action and implement a stalking investigation. While some may brush off incidents as annoying or harmless, repeated unwanted contact that makes you feel uncomfortable is never something to ignore. For example…
- Escalating behaviour: It’s crucial to address aggressive or threatening behaviour before it gets worse.
- Increasing fear: Feeling unsafe, anxious or constantly looking over your shoulder is a strong signal to reach out for help.
- Disruption of daily life: If stalking affects your ability to go about daily activities, it’s important to take proactive steps.
How a private investigator can help
Hiring a private investigator (PI) is an effective way to gather evidence, monitor the stalker and build a case that can help the police. Read on for how a PI can be beneficial in helping you stay safe:
- Collecting evidence: Private investigators are trained to gather reliable evidence, including photos, videos and records of communication. Having solid evidence is crucial in any legal proceeding and can strengthen your case.
- Surveillance and monitoring: PIs are experts at carrying out discreet surveillance to monitor the stalker’s behaviour. This means they can document their activities and provide a clear picture of the threat level.
- Data and background checks: Private investigators can perform background checks on the stalker. This is helpful as it could reveal a history of harassment or violence that could support your case.
- Professional guidance: It’s important that you fully understand the evidence needed for protection orders and a PI can guide you through the process of documenting and reporting.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that a professional is actively working on your behalf can relieve some of the stress that comes with being stalked – helping you regain a sense of control over the situation.
Find a professional private investigator
If you suspect you are being stalked, understanding your rights and the laws in place to protect you is extremely important. Hiring an experienced private investigator like M19 Solutions can be a valuable step toward feeling safe, securing legal protection and holding the stalker accountable.
