Recognising and responding to stalking
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted, repeated contact that leaves you feeling scared or upset. You don’t need to have been threatened with violence for it to count. If someone’s behaviour is fixated, obsessed, unwanted and repeated, it’s stalking — and support is available.
Confidential support
Speak to a specialist adviser in complete confidence.
Safety planning
Build a bespoke plan to help keep you safe.
Reporting and legal help
Get support to report to the police and explore your legal options.
What is stalking?
Stalking can include being followed, or someone turning up unexpectedly or waiting for you. It can also mean unwanted contact, in person, online or through other people, and someone monitoring your location, emails or messages. Sending unwanted gifts, threats, and damage to your property are also forms of stalking.
On their own, these behaviours can seem small. But when they follow a pattern — Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted, Repeated (FOUR) — they’re stalking, and it’s unacceptable. Record what’s happening and report it before it escalates. If you’re stalked by a partner, ex or family member, this is domestic abuse. If not, it’s called non-domestic stalking.
Where to get support
If you or someone you know is experiencing non-domestic stalking, you can contact the Nottinghamshire Stalking Advocacy Service. Specialist-trained advocates can assess risk, create a safety plan with you, and support you with reporting to the police, civil legal options, and housing.
However, if you’re being stalked by a partner, ex or family member, contact a local domestic abuse service instead, such as Equation.
If you’re referring someone else, you’ll need their explicit consent first. Professionals can refer people they’re working with once consent is confirmed.
Practical steps to protect yourself
A few simple precautions can help reduce risk while you get support. These don’t replace a full safety plan, but they’re a good starting point.
- Don’t engage with your stalker — any contact may encourage the behaviour to continue.
- Ask friends and family not to challenge your stalker — this could put you or them at risk.
- Report incidents to the police on 999 or 101 — stalking is a crime.
Frequently asked questions
Thinking about getting in touch about stalking? Here are answers to the questions people ask most — who can use the service, what support is available, and what to do if you’re worried about contacting your stalker or referring someone else. If your question isn’t covered, our team can help.
Who can get support from Equation?
Men or LGBTQ+ individuals aged 16 and over living in Nottingham city or over 18 in Nottinghamshire County experiencing domestic stalking.
What can the Stalking Advocacy Service do?
The service can assess risk using specialist tools and create a bespoke safety plan with you. Advocates identify and support your needs and wishes, and can help you report to the police, pursue civil legal interventions, or connect with a solicitor. They can also support you with housing applications, talk through your options with you, provide emotional support, and refer you to counselling. Where needed, they’ll advocate on your behalf with other agencies.
What if I want to refer someone else?
You’ll need their explicit consent first. Professionals can refer people they support once consent is confirmed.
Who can get support from The Nottinghamshire Stalking Advocacy Service?
The Nottinghamshire Stalking Advocacy Service has specialist-trained advocates who provide high-quality support to victims of non-domestic abuse stalking. To use this service you must be 16 or above and live in Nottingham city or Nottinghamshire.
Should I contact my stalker?
No — any contact may encourage the behaviour to continue. Report incidents to the police on 999 or 101.
Are you experiencing domestic-stalking? Contact a helpline
Domestic stalking is unwanted, repeated behaviour from a partner, ex or family member that leaves you feeling scared or unsafe. Equation supports men and LGBTQ+ people across Nottinghamshire. We can help with safety planning, understanding your options, reporting to the police, and emotional support. Complete this form to start today.
Support for men
helpline@equation.org.uk
Support for men
0800 995 6999 (Men’s)
LGBTQ+ support
LGBTQ@equation.org.uk
LGBTQ+ support
03300 880787 (LGBTQ)
Still not sure about making a referral?
That’s completely okay. If you’d like to talk things through first, you can have an informal, no‑pressure chat with us. We’re here to help you decide what feels right for you.
Complete the form below for help with non-domestic stalking
Please do not use this referral form if you are being stalked by an ex, partner, or family member.