Harassment is an issue in the UK that can happen anywhere, most commonly out in public or in the workplace. But what is harassment? It is recognised as both a civil and criminal offence under a handful of UK laws and covers behaviour that causes fear, distress or alarm. Thankfully, due to its nature, it can be tackled via the legal system through civil lawsuits or even criminal convictions.
It’s not only individuals that can harass people. It can also be companies, public authorities, or institutions. You might have been harassed by the police and might bring a claim against them as an organisation rather than at the individual officer.
Legal definition of harassment
As stated on the government website, bullying and harassment are behaviours that make someone feel intimidated or offended. Harassment might include the following:
- Antisocial behaviour
- Bullying at school or in the workplace
- Cyber stalking
- Sending abusive text messages
- Sending unwanted correspondence
- Sending unwanted gifts
These unwanted behaviours become harassment if they occur more than once.
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is a piece of legislation that is paramount in combating harassment. It lists the following actions, that when carried out more than once, are classified as harassment. This is key to stopping these occurrences from happening as they provide a legal framework that lists them as bad behaviour.
- Bodily harm
- Damage to property
- Emails
- Letters
- Phone calls
- Stalking
- Social media abuse
- Threats
- Verbal abuse
- Visits
Again, for it to constitute harassment, these actions must occur more than once.
Harassment by proxy
You might also be harrassed indirectly. This is known as harassment by proxy and involves the targeting of individuals connected to you. These might be family members, friends, or colleagues, with the intention of causing distress to the victim.
Crime and Disorder Act 1998
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 focuses on harassment cases that are motivated by racial or religious hatred. This means such cases are considered more severe and can be prosecuted more seriously due to potential underlying motives of discrimination and hate.
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 has further protections in place against harassment. In this case, it is focused on protected characteristics like race, religion, gender, disability, age, or sexual orientation. If the harassment is related to these characteristics, it will be deemed unlawful and may lead to legal action. This might be the case if the police misuse stop and search powers or conduct unlawful surveillance of people with these characteristics.
Crime and Victims Act 2004
The Crime and Victims Act 2004 focuses on harassment that connects to domestic violence. It makes sure that victims are better protected after an incident has taken place and ensures that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions, especially when the harassment happens within a relationship.
Impact of harassment
Harassment can lead to all manner of emotional, psychological and even physical fallout. It can make victims anxious, stressed or depressed and overall, reduces quality of life. The key to limiting this impact is to tackle harassment as soon as possible. Be sure to review the actions listed above to determine if you or someone in your care is being harassed, and take appropriate action.
Reporting and seeking help
Are you or someone you know experiencing harassment? Though it might seem insignificant or may even be coming from someone with power over you, reporting harassment and seeking legal advice is vital in order to limit its effect. You can even make a compensation claim against the party who harassed you.
Is it time to take action?
If you have been the victim of harassment, no matter the type, it’s important to take action and stand up. One of the best ways to do this is by making a harassment compensation claim. If this is specifically against the police, our team of experts are on hand to help you.
Ready to get started? Contact us via our quick contact form, or you can phone us directly on 0333 400 4445.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I’m being harassed?
You should immediately report the behaviour to the appropriate authorities, seek legal advice, and perhaps contact support organisations for assistance.
Can I file a complaint if I’m harassed by the police?
You can file a harassment complaint against the police and you might be entitled to compensation for any suffering you have experienced due to their mishandling.
Can harassment be indirect?
Harassment can occur indirectly by targeting people close to the victim. This can happen when family or friends are affected by the harassment behaviour.
Does harassment need to be physical to be illegal?
No, harassment does not need to be physical. It can include verbal abuse, written threats, stalking, or any other behaviour that causes distress, fear, or alarm. Harassment can also occur online through social media, emails, or text messages.
Can I report harassment if it happens online?
Yes, online harassment, often referred to as cyberbullying or cyberstalking, is treated seriously under the law. You can report online harassment to the police, and it may be covered under laws like the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
What should I do if I’m being harassed at work?
If you’re being harassed at work, you should report it to your employer, preferably in writing. Your employer is then legally required to take steps to address the harassment. If the issue isn’t resolved, you may be able to take legal action under the Equality Act 2010 and other employment laws.
What is the process for filing a harassment complaint against the police?
If you believe you have been harassed by the police, you can file a formal complaint with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) or your local police force. You can also approach us with a claim against the police. If your complaint goes through, you might be entitled to compensation for any harm or distress caused.
