Stalking
Sexual Harassment and Stalking No one should feel unsafe in their relationships, home, workplace, or community.
Sexual harassment and stalking are deeply invasive forms of abuse that can cause fear, distress, and lasting psychological harm. Whether it happens in person, online, or in a relationship, these behaviours are never acceptable and may be criminal offences.
At ROSA WOMEN’S LIVES MATTERS, we provide support, guidance, and advocacy for anyone affected by harassment or stalking. You are not alone—and you deserve to feel safe.
Sexual harassment refers to unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel distressed, intimidated, degraded, humiliated, or unsafe. It can happen in public, at work, at school, in a relationship, or online.
Examples of sexual harassment include:
- Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or gestures
- Inappropriate touching or groping
- Leering or making sexual remarks about someone’s body or appearance
- Sharing sexual images or messages without consent
- Pressuring someone into sexual acts or conversation
- Exposing genitals or masturbating in public (also known as flashing)
- Persistent requests for dates or sexual favours despite rejection
Sexual harassment is about power and control. It’s not always physical—words and intimidation can be just as damaging.
“He kept making comments about my body and brushing against me. When I asked him to stop, he laughed. It made me feel unsafe in my own workplace.”
— Amira, survivor of workplace harassment
What Is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted, fixated, and obsessive behaviour that causes fear, distress, or alarm. It may come from a stranger, acquaintance, colleague, ex-partner—or even someone close.
Stalking behaviours include:
- Repeatedly following or watching you
- Turning up unexpectedly at your home, work, or school
- Sending unwanted gifts, messages, or emails
- Monitoring your phone, social media, or whereabouts
- Damaging your property or threatening your loved ones
- Using technology to track or spy on you
- Harassing your friends, family, or employer
Stalking is a serious criminal offence in the UK, regardless of whether the perpetrator makes direct threats. It is often used to control, intimidate, or punish a victim—especially after a relationship ends.
Impact of Harassment and Stalking
Both sexual harassment and stalking can have a profound impact on someone’s wellbeing, including:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or constant fear
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Depression or withdrawal
- Loss of employment or educational opportunities
- Self-blame, shame, or suicidal thoughts
- Feeling isolated or afraid to go out
You might feel like you’re overreacting or not being taken seriously—but your fear is valid, and your experience matters.
Digital Harassment and Cyberstalking
Technology can make harassment and stalking harder to spot but easier to carry out. Online abuse may include:
- Sending explicit messages or images without consent
- Impersonating you online
- Monitoring your activity through spyware
- Using location tracking or hidden cameras
- Posting humiliating or sexual content about you
- Flooding your inbox or social accounts with threats
If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing tech-enabled abuse. We can help you secure your devices, accounts, and online presence.
Know Your Rights
In the UK, both sexual harassment and stalking are offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and other laws. You have a right to:
- Report the behaviour to the police
- Request a restraining order or Stalking Protection Order
- Be protected from retaliation at work or school
- Access support services and legal advice
Even if the law isn’t involved, the abuse is still real. You deserve support.
How We Can Help
We offer safe, confidential, and inclusive support to anyone experiencing sexual harassment or stalking. Our services include:
- Emotional support and guidance
- Help reporting to the police or seeking legal protection
- Personalised safety planning
- Counselling and trauma-informed therapy
- Advice on housing, employment, or safeguarding
- Digital safety support (e.g., blocking, evidence collection)
We believe every survivor. No matter when it happened, it’s not your fault.
In Immediate Danger?
- Call 999 if you’re in danger or need emergency help.
- If you can’t speak, press 55 when prompted after calling 999.
- For non-urgent support, contact the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or Rape Crisis on 0808 802 9999.