I've to go to court and have never been inside one before - I'm terrified. What is it like?

Speak to your Investigating Police Officer and if necessary contact the court and ask for the Witness Service. They will give you information and take you on a familiarisation visit inside a courtroom if you'd like one. They will also be there on the day to support you. Alternatively contact your local Victim Support Scheme who will make the arrangements or put you in contact with the Witness Service. Both should be in your local phone directory.

I am being stalked and think I'm going mad, am I just being paranoid?

No, probably not. One objective of a stalker is to make the victim feel like they are going mad - and to have some control over the victims life. Family, friends and colleagues may say that you're being paranoid because of what is happening, but the likelihood is you're not - people try to rationalise the irrational. Listen to your intuition - if you feel that you're in danger, get help. Although it may be hard, try not to be in fear all the time then your intuition will tell you when to be careful. Listen and take action to get help.

My ex has been hassling/stalking me and I'm frightened. He/She has suggested we meet to talk about it and then they'll stop. Should I meet him/her?

NO. On no account must you meet with your stalker. This is the most dangerous time for a victim. All that will happen is they will be in your company and feeding their 'problem'. This probably won't stop the stalking.

I am a man, a woman at work won't take no for an answer, I am getting silent calls and she is always outside my home, women don't stalk do they?

Sadly, yes. Just as men or women can be victims, men and women stalk - speak to your local police who should help. Keep a diary and any evidence you can. It is so important to get this behaviour stopped as soon as possible.

I am having problems with an ex-boyfriend who is sending me letters, calling all the time and leaving presents on my car, the police say there's nothing that can be done. What can I do?

In this case, unfortunately, you may have been given the wrong advice. The police are able to act under the Protection from Harassment Act provided on two or more occassions something has been done to cause you real harassment, alarm or distress. Go back to your local police station and ask them to help, keep a diary of everything that happens - even if you think it's not related as well as evidence of any kind (please see our advice page). If the police do not act, ask to speak to the Inspector in charge of the station and put your case to them.

My neighbour frightens me, she is always in her garden videoing my house, she knocks at my door during the night and strange things have started happening. I don't really want to go to the police, is there anything else I can do to stop her?

You can obtain an Injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act through the civil court. This will provide protection for you. Should the Order be ignored and broken, the perpetrator is liable for arrest and possible imprisonment of up to 5 years. Before any court action takes place, you could ask a solicitor to write a letter to your neighbour advising them that if their behaviour continues, court action will be taken. This will, hopefully, stop the problems.

I think I need medical help, what can I do?

Go to your doctor for help - they may refer you for some counselling under the NHS. Alternatively contact the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy who will provide details of registered counsellors in your area. Their website is particularly useful for this, www.bac.co.uk.

My stalker's case is going to court soon. Why do I not have a solicitor?

You only need a solicitor if you are taking civil action through the courts (ie; the police are not involved). When seeking advice from a Solicitor ask first whether you are eligible to apply for Legal Aid. If granted you may be required to make a contribution. If not the Solicitor's own costs and disbursements need to be outlined to you. Always ask as it can prove very expensive. If the police are involved, this means that the court case is about the Crown prosecuting the offender, the victim is deemed just a witness to the case. Once the police have a case they pass the file to the Crown Prosecution Service who have solicitors or barristers prosecuting and the defendant is similarly represented.

Why did I have to find out about my stalker's court result in the newspaper?

Unfortunately this happens often, it is due to a breakdown in communication. According to the Victim's Charter, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) should keep the victim informed of the situation. Sadly this is not always being enforced and unless you have caring officers dealing with your case, there can sometimes be a lack of communication between the Courts, CPS and the Police in advising the victims of the progress of their case.

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'Frequently Asked Questions'	'Myths about Stalking'
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