How to protect yourself from stalking and harassment

Stalking and harassment is when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes you feel scared, distressed or threatened. There are different types of stalking and harassment and anyone can be a victim. 

Harassment is an offence under Article 3 Crime (Disorderly Conduct and Harassment) (Jersey) Law 2008.

If you are, or someone you know is, being stalked or harassed, there are ways to help deal with this: 

Avoid escalating the suspect’s efforts to harass you, do not isolate yourself from trustworthy friends/family and consider the safety advice below:

• Do NOT close your social media accounts
• Do NOT block the suspect (phone and social media accounts)
• Do NOT change your mobile number, or avoid using email or the internet
• Do NOT assume it is less serious because there is no physical violence
  
  
• DO contact the Police to report stalking and harassment – help us to help keep you safe
• DO consider our Ten Personal Safety Tips (see below)
• DO consider your home security (who can access your property, devices, any technology like smart doorbells and your vehicle)
• DO consider our advice about online safety, record keeping and unwanted calls (see below)

Check your online safety

Check your social media accounts to make sure your personal details aren't available to the public. 

It's also useful to: 

• make sure only your friends can see your social media posts, not the public
• check privacy settings on social networking sites and only give basic information
• Google yourself to check none of your details are available online
• don’t use the same password for everything
• turn off the location setting on your phone
• check your tagging settings on social media 
• keep your antivirus software up to date
• report harassment to website administrators
• if you think your smartphone or computer has been hacked (someone else has broken into it), stop using it and take it to your mobile phone provider or computer expert for advice
• This list is not exhaustive, refer to specialist online services eg. www.getsafeonline.org

Keep records

Keep a record of events, either written down or on a phone or computer. Record each event as soon as possible afterwards and put the time and date. 

It's also useful to: 

• note details of any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything
• keep a record of how the person harassing you looked; details of their clothes or car
• keep messages (screenshot) or record any phone calls you receive
• use caller ID or 1471 on the phone and write down the details of calls, including times and the telephone numbers (including unanswered calls)
• ask neighbours, friends and people you work with and trust to record any details if they witness anything

Unwanted calls 

If you're receiving unwanted calls: 

• don’t answer the phone with your address or phone number
• if you don't know the caller, don't answer questions about yourself, no matter how honest they sound
• if you have voicemail, don't include your name or number in the message
• a voicemail message should never tell people that you're out or away
• if you’re listed in any directories, give your initials and surname rather than your full name
• never show anger or fear over the phone: remain calm and confident

How to report stalking or harassment

Is it an emergency?

If an incident is ongoing or a crime is being committed now, or the offender is still there or nearby, or people are injured, being threatened or in danger then call 999 now.

When calling 999, a Jersey Telecom (JT) operator will ask you which service you require and once selected, you will be put through to our 24/7 control centre. We will ask for your location and personal details for safety reasons and assess what has happened to establish what help is needed.

If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use our Emergency Text Service and message us on 07797 790 999.

Report online

If you’d like to report online, rather than speaking to us by telephone in the first instance, you can use our online crime reporting service which is secure and confidential.

All reports made using this service are reviewed by our 24/7 control centre within a few hours and an officer will get back to you.

If you’d like to talk to someone, our national non-emergency telephone number is staffed 24/7. Call us on 01534 612612 and report what happened or just get some advice.

Visit the Police Station

If you’d like to speak to an officer in person, we can provide a safe environment at our Police Station:

States of Jersey Police HQ
La Route du Fort
St Helier
JERSEY
JE2 4HQ

Support for victims of stalking and harassment

If you are, or someone you know is, being stalked or harassed, we can put you in touch with other support organisations that understand your specific needs. Below is a list of organisations who can assist you.

Victims First Jersey
A free, independent and confidential service supporting victims and witnesses of crime in Jersey. Call: 0800 7351612 or email victimsfirstjersey@gov.je

Protection against stalking 
A national charity raising awareness of stalking and harassment and supporting victims and their families.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust
This organisation aims to create a safer society by reducing the risk of violence and aggression through campaigning, education and support.

National Stalking Helpline
Practical advice and information to anyone who is currently or previously has been affected by harassment or stalking. Phone: 0808 8020300

Revenge Porn Helpline
Advice, guidance and support for adults (aged 18+).

The Cyber Helpline
Free, expert help for victims of cybercrime and online harm.

Paladin Service
Not-for-profit organisation providing support, advice and advocacy for anyone at high risk of serious harm from a stalker.

Ten Personal Safety Tips

1. Be vigilant and stick to well-lit busy streets.
   
   
2. Stay alert, look confident and act confidently – do not engage people unnecessarily.
   
   
3. Cover up expensive items e.g. devices, jewellery and avoid wearing earphones.
   
   
4. Plan your route ahead, travel with someone you trust (strength in numbers) and let someone know where you will be or when they should expect you. Consider whether you should limit any GPS / location services that are visible to others on your device/s.
   
   
5. Never hitchhike or travel in unregulated taxis.
   
   
6. Walk facing oncoming traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you.
   
   
7. When going to your car or home, have your keys ready and be prepared to lock your car. Consider changing your routine e.g. time / route to work.
   
   
8. If you think you’re being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find, seek assistance from someone trustworthy and contact the Police.
   
   
9. If you are attacked, shout for help as loudly as you can or shout for someone to contact the police (you can use reasonable force to defend yourself and get away). Consider using a personal attack alarm. Try to get to a safe place and call the Police.
   
   
10. If someone attempts to take something from you, consider letting them have it rather than risk being hurt.