Stalking

What is stalking?

Stalking is a criminal offence.

Conduct considered to be stalking is when a person intentionally directs their attention towards another person. However, the other person considers the attention of the stalker harassing, unwanted and/or possibly harmful or threatening.

Stalking behaviours may include: following, loitering, watching, contacting, or leaving material for another person which causes the other person to be fearful or causes detriment to the stalked person or any other person.

If you, or someone you know, is repeatedly receiving from the respondent unwanted:

• phone calls,
• text messages,
• voice messages,
• notes, e.g. given by a friend of the respondent or left on the car windscreen,
• messages posted on computer community websites e.g. MySpace, Facebook,
• gifts, e.g. at home or at work,
• threats of violence, humiliation or abuse
• offensive or humiliating material, e.g. in the letterbox, or
• is followed either by walking or in a vehicle;

What can I do?

Police officers need to know if there is a pattern to the stalker’s behaviour and conduct.

Police officers also need to know if there is a current Domestic Violence Order in place.

It is advised that you keep a record of the stalker’s:

• vehicle details: registration number, colour, make, condition
• street names where you see the stalker loitering, following or watching
• phone numbers used by the stalker
• save text messages stored on your mobile
• dates and times
• description of the incident.

Call your local police station.

Find a safe place to make the call, stay focused and on the line.

Visit your local police station.

What do police officers need to know?

Police officers will need to know:

• is there a threat being made to you, or your children, at this time?
• is there a current Domestic Violence Order (DVO), or an application for a protection order in place?
• where is the offender now?
• what is your relationship with the offender?
• are there any children, if any, involved and what is their whereabouts?
• are the children currently with the offender?
• are there any fears held for the welfare of the children?
• does the offender possess any firearms or weapons?
• is alcohol or drugs involved?
• does any person have a medical or psychiatric history?
• do you have any of the messages or photos, for example, with you now?

Police Officers may also ask other questions.

In order to help you Police Officers require as much information as possible in order to determine the best of course of action for all parties involved.

Do you need to get advice, help or support?

Call your local police station.

Contact DV Connect.

Help and Support Services

Interpreting and translating

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Legal and Advocacy Service Telephone (in Brisbane): 07 3392 3177 Telephone: 1800 442 450

Immigrant Women’s Support Service
Telephone: 07 3846 3490
http://www.iwss.org.au

Interpreter Service
Telephone: 131 450

Migrant Interim Support Service
Telephone: 07 3876 3294