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Cyber Abuse

Online harassment and stalking is illegal in England and Wales.

Stalking is different from harassment as it involves fixation and includes repeated attempts to contact a person without permission in a way that could be expected to cause distress or fear.

Technology and social networking sites can help facilitate stalking and harassment, enabling offenders to impersonate others online or to send or post hostile messages to their victim. It is important to remember that harassment and stalking can take many different forms and can include e-mails, instant messaging, images, chat rooms, forums or social networking sites.

Select any card you feel you need to. Once you've done this, use the "See my options" button to get your advice.

You do not have to select a card from every category. You can also view our general advice.

Victim/Witness

I think I am being harassed or stalked online

You believe you are a victim of internet stalking or harassment

I know someone who is being harassed or stalked online

You believe that you know a victim of internet stalking or harassment

I am worried I may be the victim of cyber abuse

You are concerned about being a victim of internet harassment or internet stalking

There are witnesses

Someone saw the incident happen

I don't think there are any witnesses

You don't know if anyone saw what happened

Your situation

This is the first time cyber abuse has happened

This incident has not happened before

The cyber abuse has happened more than once

This isn't the first time this has happened

I do not speak English very well

English is not your first language and you may have difficulties discussing your concerns

Someone has hacked an online account

As part of the online abuse someone has hacked one or more of your online accounts such as email, social media or online shopping

The person who did this

I know who did this

You have details of, or know who carried out the abuse

I don’t know who committed the crime but I do have a description

You have a description of what the offender looks like

I don't have a name or description of the person, but I have other details

You do not have any description or names of those involved, but do have details such as their address, their place of work, their number plate, online details etc.

Someone I know has details about who did this

Someone believes they have information about the person or people who have done this

I don't know who did this

You do not have any details of who is involved in this

Evidence

There is video footage or photos of the cyber abuse

There may be video or images of the incident or offender

There are verbal or written comments

The suspect said something, left graffiti, or wrote something online or sent emails or messages

I don’t know if there is any evidence

You are unsure if there is evidence that can help with the investigation

Concerns

This is affecting my mental or physical health

You would like support following this incident

I’m worried no one will believe me or I will get into trouble

You are worried that if you report this to us no one will believe you or you will end up getting into trouble because of it

I'm worried about going to court

You do not feel comfortable taking part in a trial or hearing

I'm worried it may happen again

You are worried that the stalking or harassment may continue

I want to remain anonymous

You do not want to provide your details

I am concerned for my safety

You are worried that you may be in danger

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