Harassment can fall within the scope of domestic violence, however, you do not need to be in (or have previously been in) a relationship with the perpetrator for it to qualify as harassment.

What Qualifies as Harasssment?

Harassment does not necessarily come from a partner or ex-partner; it can also come from someone you work with, your landlord, a media organisation, or a stranger.

Any unwanted behaviour with the purpose of causing you distress, making you feel intimidated, or humiliating you can be considered as harassment. This includes sexual harassment, which is defined as unwanted sexual behaviour.

Is Harassment a Crime?

In the UK, harassment is a crime, and you may press charges against the perpetrator. If you report incidents of harassment to the police, they will issue a warning notice to the perpetrator and keep records of all the incidents you report. This will help if you do decide to press charges, as you will have a documented timeline of abusive behaviour.

As one of the North West’s leading family solicitor firms, our team of expert lawyers can guide you through the legal process, including going to court, should that happen.

What If I’m Accused of Harassment?

If you have been accused of harassing another individual and are facing either criminal or civil charges, then you will need to engage in a specialist family law solicitor. We will help you to fight your side and protect you against accusations, to the best of our ability.

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How to Report Harassment?

If you wish to press charges, you will need to supply evidence that this behaviour has occurred at least twice, and the judge needs to determine that the behaviour was objectively done with the intention of tormenting you.

In civil cases, you may be able to claim damages or an injunction against the other party. Damages refers to the compensation you may receive (referred to as an award) for the stress caused by the harassing behaviour and any financial loss that has been caused. An injunction is an order preventing the other party from continuing with the harassing behaviour, and will take into account various factors, including the likelihood of future harassment. Breaching the injunction qualifies as a criminal offence.

We have specialist solicitors who deal with injunctions, harassment and court hearings. At Higgins Miller we are one of the leading firms of family solicitors, Stockport-based and available to help you obtain the best possible solutions to your legal problem.

In criminal cases, if you are successful and the other party is found guilty, they may face up to six months in prison, a fine, or both. However you choose to proceed, if you believe you are being harassed, then you should seek legal council so that you understand your options and what course of action is right for you.

At Higgins Miller, our expert solicitors can act on your behalf so that you don’t have to confront the perpetrator alone. We understand that these situations are difficult, and we will be supportive but realistic about what you should expect.

If you have been a victim of abuse, you may qualify for Legal Aid to help pay your solicitor fees. To find out more, please check if you can get Legal Aid before you contact Higgins Miller so that you are fully aware of all the restrictions that may apply.

Check if you can get legal aid – GOV.UK

To arrange to meet with one of our expert family solicitors please contact us on 0161 429 7251 or email [email protected] . The meeting will last up to 1 hour in our Stockport office at a cost of just £120 + VAT @ 20% after which we will provide you with a written report of our discussion along with our professional legal advice.

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