Stalking and Harassment
Stalking is a pattern of persistent, unwanted behaviour that can leave you feeling watched, frightened, harassed or unsafe. It may involve repeated contact, following, monitoring, unwanted gifts, online activity or other behaviour focused on you.
Stalking can happen in person, online or through a combination of both. Examples can include:
- Following or watching you
- Repeatedly contacting or attempting to contact you
- Turning up at your home, workplace or places you regularly visit
- Monitoring your use of social media, email or other online services
- Publishing information about you or pretending to be you online
- Interfering with your belongings or property
- Using other people to contact, watch or gather information about you
The Isle of Man’s Protection from Harassment Act 2000 includes specific offences relating to stalking. Under the legislation, a course of conduct can amount to stalking where it involves harassment and behaviour associated with stalking. The law gives examples including following someone, repeatedly attempting contact, monitoring online communications, loitering, interfering with property and watching or spying on someone.