Harassment and Stalking

This page contains detailed information about sexual violence, domestic abuse, so called “honour-based abuse”, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, hate crime, discrimination, bullying, harassment, stalking, spiking and terrorism. The content may be distressing or harmful to audiences.

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If you are affected by any of the information and would like support, please contact studentservices@chester.ac.uk or call 01244 511 550.

What is Harassment?

Harassment happens when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes you feel frightened, distressed, or threatened.

This behaviour can take many forms, including:

  • Verbal abuse: Such as name-calling, insults, or derogatory comments.
  • Bullying: Persistent and targeted behaviour that aims to belittle or intimidate.
  • Unwanted jokes or comments: Even remarks that may seem harmless can be hurtful when they target someone's identity, appearance, or abilities.
  • Social media harassment: This includes posting harmful comments or spreading rumours about you online, sharing private information without your consent, or sending threatening messages.
  • Harassment can happen anywhere—at work, in public, online, or even in your own home. It’s important to remember that harassment is never acceptable, and everyone has the right to feel safe and respected. If you experience harassment, it’s crucial to reach out for support and report the behaviour to someone who can help.

What is Stalking?

Stalking is when someone repeatedly gives you unwanted attention that makes you feel harassed and bothered. This can involve any actions that happen more than once, leaving you feeling alarmed, stressed, or worried that the person might turn violent.

Stalking is especially hard to handle because it can go on for a long time, making you feel constantly on edge and scared. Sometimes it develops gradually, and it might take some time before you realise you’re caught in a pattern of ongoing abuse.

Stalking can often happen through social media and the internet, with 'cyber-stalking' or online threats being just as frightening.

If you’re dealing with repeated and unwanted attention that makes you feel scared, harassed, or anxious, you’re experiencing stalking. You shouldn’t have to deal with this alone, and there is help available.

How to report?

In an emergency please call emergency services by phoning 999.

If you are on a University campus or in University accommodation then you can call also Security/Porters on 01244 511541 after you have spoken with emergency services.

You can read more about how to report an incident of harassment or stalking to the University or the police with your contact details.

You can read more about how to report an incident of harassment or stalking to the University or the police anonymously. Please note, if you provide any identifiable details in your report, the police may be able to identify who you are.

How to get support?

University Support

The Wellbeing and Mental Health team can provide confidential advice and support for you and other students who may have been affected by stalking or harassment. You can make contact by emailing: studentservices@chester.ac.uk  ​

Student Counselling is a free counselling service available for all students that provides a confidential, safe space for you to talk. You can make a self-referral by emailing: Student.counselling@chester.ac.uk

External Support

You can get advice from the National Stalking Helpline.

National Stalking Helpline
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm (except Wednesday 9:30am to 8pm)

You can also contact: