Law

Being harassed: what the law protects and how to stop it

Q: What the law prohibits?

Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (section 1), a person must not pursue a «course of conduct» that amounts to harassment of another and that they know or ought to know amounts to harassment. It is judged by what a reasonable person would think. Importantly, a «course of conduct» means conduct on at least two occasions (section 7). There are defences — for example conduct to prevent or detect crime, or conduct reasonable in the circumstances.

Q: How to protect yourself?

Section 3 gives a civil claim: the victim (or someone who may become one) can ask the court for damages — including for anxiety and harm caused — and an injunction restraining the conduct. Breaching such an injunction without reasonable excuse is a separate offence. Harassment can also be a criminal matter the police deal with.

Persistent calls and messages, being followed, threats — all can fall under the law against harassment. Here is what it provides and how to use it.

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A person looking at a phone in the dark — Persistent unwanted contact and stalking break the law. Photo: ONLYWAY NEWS

If someone will not leave you alone — calling, messaging, lying in wait — that is not «just unpleasant» but a possible breach of the law.

What the law prohibits

Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (section 1), a person must not pursue a «course of conduct» that amounts to harassment of another and that they know or ought to know amounts to harassment. It is judged by what a reasonable person would think. Importantly, a «course of conduct» means conduct on at least two occasions (section 7). There are defences — for example conduct to prevent or detect crime, or conduct reasonable in the circumstances.

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How to protect yourself

Section 3 gives a civil claim: the victim (or someone who may become one) can ask the court for damages — including for anxiety and harm caused — and an injunction restraining the conduct. Breaching such an injunction without reasonable excuse is a separate offence. Harassment can also be a criminal matter the police deal with.

What to do

Keep evidence: messages, calls, dates, screenshots, witnesses. Report to the police (including online). For ongoing harassment you can seek an injunction through the court. If there is a direct threat to your safety, call 999.

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Published 23 October 2026, 17:02 2 min read Editorial desk of the British newspaper ONLYWAY NEWS - LONDON - UK

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