What The Law States About Harrassment & Stalking

Harassment and Stalking Laws in the UK and USA: Not Just a Celebrity Problem

Bringing Cases to Court: Understanding Your Rights in Harassment and Stalking Cases

Taking legal action can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the emotional and psychological toll of being harassed or stalked. However, knowing your rights and understanding the legal process can empower you to seek justice and protect yourself.

What Are Harassment and Stalking?

Harassment refers to repeated, unwanted behavior that causes alarm or distress. This can include threatening messages, abusive phone calls, or unwelcome visits. Stalking goes a step further—it’s a pattern of fixated and obsessive behavior that causes someone to feel fearful or anxious. It can include following someone, monitoring their movements, or contacting them despite being asked to stop.

Both are criminal offences under UK law. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 makes it illegal to pursue a course of conduct that amounts to harassment. The Stalking Protection Act 2019 further strengthens victims’ rights, allowing courts to issue Stalking Protection Orders even if a criminal charge hasn’t been made yet.

Gathering Evidence

Before you bring a case to court, gathering strong evidence is crucial. This may include:

• Text messages, emails, voicemails, or letters.
• Photographs or videos of the perpetrator’s behavior.
• Witness statements.
• A diary or log recording incidents, dates, times, and how it made you feel.
• Any medical or psychological reports if your wellbeing has been affected.

You can also report the behavior to the police and ask for an incident or crime reference number. Even if no immediate action is taken, this starts a formal record.

Reporting to the Police

If you’re being harassed or stalked in the UK, contact the police by calling 101 (or 999 if you’re in immediate danger). The police have the power to issue warnings, and harassment notices, or proceed with criminal charges depending on the evidence. In more severe cases, they can arrest the offender and seek restraining orders or Stalking Protection Orders to prevent further contact.

Civil and Criminal Options

There are two main routes you can take:

1. Criminal prosecution: If the police believe there is enough evidence, they will pass your case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). If successful, the offender may receive a fine, restraining order, or prison sentence.
2. Civil court action: If the police or CPS decline to take action, you can still pursue a civil injunction through the county court. This can order the person to stop their behavior or stay away from you. If they breach the injunction, they could be arrested.

Legal aid may be available if you meet certain criteria, particularly if the harassment involves domestic abuse.

Going to Court

If your case goes to court, you may be required to give evidence. Special measures, like giving evidence behind a screen or by video link, can be requested to make you feel safer. The court will assess whether the behavior meets the legal threshold for harassment or stalking and whether a protective order is necessary.

Victims should consider seeking support from advocacy services, such as:

• Victim Support
• National Stalking Helpline
• Women’s Aid or Men’s Advice Line, depending on circumstances

These organisations can guide you through the legal process and help you cope with the emotional impact.

What Does the Law Say?

The recent case of a man charged with stalking actress Jennifer Aniston has once again put the spotlight on the crime of stalking. As reported by the BBC, the 29-year-old suspect allegedly sent Aniston flowers and attempted to gain access to her property. While the world reacts when a celebrity is targeted, this disturbing incident is just one of many—stalking is a widespread issue that affects thousands of everyday people across the UK and USA.

UK Law

In the United Kingdom, stalking and harassment are offences under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which was amended in 2012 to explicitly define stalking. The law criminalises repeated behaviour that causes alarm or distress. This can include:

• Unwanted communication (calls, messages, letters)
• Following or watching someone
• Showing up uninvited
• Monitoring someone’s internet use or social media
• Sending unwanted gifts

Victims can apply for Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs), and depending on severity, offenders can face up to 10 years in prison.

USA Law

In the United States, stalking laws vary by state, but the crime typically involves a “course of conduct” that places someone in fear for their safety. In California, where Aniston resides, stalking can be prosecuted as a felony, especially if there are threats of violence or a breach of restraining orders.

Federal laws may also apply when stalking involves online communications (cyberstalking) or crosses state lines.

Not Just the Rich and Famous

Stalking isn’t limited to public figures. Many victims are ordinary people—teachers, carers, students, parents—who are often stalked by ex-partners, acquaintances, or even strangers. Unfortunately, stalking is often underreported, dismissed, or minimised—especially in domestic abuse cases where emotional manipulation is involved.

Narcissistic Abuse and Stalking

People who have experienced relationships with narcissists or individuals with controlling tendencies are particularly vulnerable to post-relationship stalking. Narcissistic abusers often feel entitled to continue controlling or monitoring their former partners. Their behaviour may escalate into harassment or stalking, especially if the victim sets boundaries or attempts to move on.

ROCD: When Obsession Crosses a Line

Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is a lesser-known condition where a person experiences intrusive, obsessive thoughts about their romantic relationships. While not widely discussed, ROCD can lead to compulsive checking, reassurance-seeking, and—even in extreme cases—behaviours that mimic stalking.

It’s important to note: having ROCD or any psychological condition does not excuse criminal behaviour. However, there is a growing call from psychologists and mental health professionals for assessments to be made before legal judgments are finalised. A trauma-informed approach is essential, both to protect victims and to understand the root cause of dangerous behaviour.

Conclusion: We All Deserve to Feel Safe

Bringing a harassment or stalking case to court is never easy, but it can be a powerful step toward reclaiming your safety and peace of mind. The law is on your side, and with the right evidence and support, justice is possible. If you’re experiencing this kind of behavior, don’t suffer in silence—reach out, document everything, and explore your legal options. You are not alone.

In Jennifer Aniston’s case brings visibility to a problem that is far more common than many realise. But stalking should not only spark outrage when it affects the rich and famous.

There must be a combined legal and mental health response: swift police action, proper psychological evaluation, and better public understanding of what stalking looks like—and how early it can start.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, help is available:

• In the UK, contact Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service at www.paladinservice.co.uk
• In the US, call VictimConnect at 1-855-484-2846 or visit www.victimconnect.org

Because no one—celebrity or not—should live in fear.

References:

• Twisted social media posts of Jennifer Aniston’s stalker that cops IGNORED … until it was too late | Daily Mail Online
• Jennifer Aniston’s ‘stalker’ probed over ‘bizarre’ posts after breaching mansion | US | News | Express.co.uk
• Jennifer Aniston’s alleged stalker charged for crashing into her gate
• Holly Willoughby stalker’s chilling six-word reaction as he was arrested | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV | Express.co.uk