Despite the general perception that harassment and stalking are wrong, it does still happen in this day and age. Fortunately, thanks to the MeToo movement, the world seems to understand that unwanted attention is just not acceptable. However, there are some cases where an individual might feel like they have no choice but to contact the authorities. Here’s where to look if you want to garner some unwanted attention and the abuser doesn’t take the hint.
Speak to a solicitor
For some, going to court and facing an abuser is daunting. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. However, there are some steps you can take before taking it through the courts if that is what will help you as an individual.
Family solicitors can help with a judgement called a non-molestation order. If you are looking for information on non-molestation orders, that is because you are being harassed but don’t want to go through criminal proceedings to get it to stop. It is also that a family member or someone you are connected with is the suspected abuser. This is entirely normal, and this type of judgement can halt the abuser from contacting you. It won’t always work, but it does come with a threat that if the line is crossed, you will be able to bring criminal proceedings against the abuser.
Effectively, you are using a solicitor to tell someone harassing you to stop giving you unwanted attention. Many people will get the message, as solicitor letters are very official, and they also come with the threat of criminal action if not adhered to. A non-molestation order is something to consider, and you need to find a family solicitor who will happily take on your case.
Contact the police about a restraining order
Unlike a non-molestation order, a restraining order is a criminal judgement that gives the abuser a criminal record. If they breach the conditions of a restraining order, they are likely to face additional jail time or be sent to prison due to breaking it. A restraining order can be applied alongside a criminal sentence. However, the abuser does not need to be found guilty of a different crime for the order to be passed down. If the courts feel that the victim is still in danger, especially if the defendant is going to walk free, they can apply for a restraining order.
That would mean that there would be no contact between the victim and abuser, and the defendant would likely not be allowed to be within a certain radius of the individual. If you suspect that you or someone else is being unfairly harassed or stalked, you can contact the police or a legal department, which will be able to put you in contact with the appropriate person.
Obtain a domestic violence protection notice
A police officer can issue a domestic violence protection notice if you have been a victim of domestic violence. If the officer suspects that you, as the victim, are at risk of being attacked with violence or further threats, they will issue this notice.
A domestic violence protection notice acts like a temporary restraining order. The information can halt the abuser from gaining access or being in the vicinity of your home and workplace. It is only a temporary notice but can help whilst the victim and legal aid decide to get things in order and determine the next steps. The police should be able to help you obtain this notice if you are in trouble.
Protecting yourself against unwanted attention from someone you live with
If you live with someone who is a domestic abuser, there is the option to apply for an occupation order. Similarly to the domestic violence protection notice and other charges we have discussed, this can prohibit the stalker or harasser from being near or in your home. A bonus is that you can apply for a non-molestation order simultaneously. This means you won’t receive any threats from the abuser for taking out the occupation order.
Speak up
Hopefully, you will have found this article useful as you understand what notices are available to protect yourself if you ever become the victim of unwanted attention. It is not easy to speak up, and many people do not have the confidence to do so, but that doesn’t mean people are not here to help you. You can even speak to people at work if that is where you feel the safest.
There are also plenty of other options that we haven’t even touched on. Still, by contacting family solicitors and police officers, they should be able to give you an insight into what options are available. In cases like this, almost everybody wants to help, so they will put you in contact with someone who can help.
