Advice and guidance

NCCR guide

A Practical Guide to Coping with Cyberstalking

The book, 'A Practical Guide to Coping with Cyberstalking' can be ordered from many online outlets including Amazon

Book description: To create fear, distress and to disrupt the daily activities of another person through cyberstalking is a crime, if you are currently affected by cyberstalking, it is crucial that you alert the police to your situation to keep yourself safe. This practical guide offers an outline of the area of cyberstalking and cyber abuse. Written in an approachable way, it describes the forms of intrusions that have been identified by research and through the accounts of victims. It considers the motivations of cyberstalkers and the enormous impact cyberstalking has on the lives of victims as well as the threats posed.

The book provides advice and information about security for people currently experiencing cyberstalking and those who simply wish to take steps to further secure their online presence by taking preventative steps. The personal experience of living with threatening intrusions and recovery from the trauma of cyberstalking is explored.


Other Useful Organisations, Resources and Contact Numbers for victims of Cyberstalking and Cyberbullying

Remember…

If you are in immediate danger dial 999.
If you need to report an incident of stalking call 101.


Stalking

National Stalking Helpline - responds to nearly 3,000 victims of stalking each year. A small team of highly trained staff and volunteers provide – by phone and email – information and guidance on the law, how to report stalking, gathering evidence, staying safe and reducing the risk. You can also access support through the online forum. The website provides practical advice and information to anyone who is currently or previously been effected by harassment or stalking.

Revenge Porn Helpline - The Revenge Porn Helpline is the UK's only dedicated service supporting adults. Call for free, one-on-one confidential advice and support via email and phone*. If you’re reading this because someone has distributed intimate photos or videos of you either off or online, you have been a victim and deserve support. You are not alone.

Paladin Service - Paladin will assist high risk victims throughout England and Wales. A number of Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) will ensure high risk victims of stalking are supported and that a co-ordinated community response is developed locally to keep victims and their children safe.

Getsafeonline - Provides advice on all aspects of computer and internet use including advice for using chat rooms, social networking, viruses, spam and safe shopping online. They have a page dedicated to cyberstalking www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/cyberstalking

Aurora New Dawn - Aurora New Dawn believes stalking is a serious offence that requires urgent intervention. Victims often require extensive and long term support. Their Stalking Advocates are always on hand to offer support whenever needed and to ensure that victims are protected, safe and aware of their rights under the law. Their court support service ensures that victims and survivors of stalking are supported at every stage of their journey.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust - Aims to create a safer society and enable everyone to live safer lives. Works for the reduction of, and fear of, crime against the person through campaigning for policy and legislative change, research, and training. Provides advice and information on stalking behaviours, the law, and tips on personal safety.

Scared of Someone? - The Network for Surviving Stalking is a National Registered Charity devoted to providing support to people affected by Stalking.

Protection Against Stalking - Provides advice and information about stalking behaviours and risk assessment. Offers support through a blog maintained at www.survivingstalking.com. Raises awareness and provides training to professionals.

Surviving Stalking- Tracey Morgan was a victim of stalking and created this site, including her blog, for other victims and interested parties.

Action Scotland Against Stalking - Action Scotland against Stalking was founded by Ann Moulds after she experienced a harrowing stalking ordeal. Ann led the successful campaign for the introduction of stalking legislation in Scotland in 2010. This website provides helpful information for anyone who is being stalked.

Victim Support - Provides practical advice on how to deal with harassment alongside emotional support and practical help on security measures, dealing with the police and support at court. Can be contacted through a support line (0808 1689 111).

Veritas Justice CIC - VERITAS combines professional expertise with personal experience to inform Training, Research, Reform and Support. They know that stalking is a hideous crime that changes lives and has a long-term detrimental impact on it’s victims. They are committed to raising awareness and offer support to those affected by stalking.

Cyberbullying and Young People


BullyingUK - Provides advice for young people, parents, and schools on cyberbullying, including information on social networking and mobile phones. Support services offered include: a confidential helpline (this can also be accessed through Skype), live online chat service, email support service, and forum/message board.

Childline - Provides advice for young people on cyberbullying, including information about the law, how children can protect themselves from cyberbullying, what to do in the event of cyberbullying, and tips on confidence building. It also offers support through a confidential helpline, online chat service, Childline email service and an online bullying messageboard.

Health and Wellbeing

MIND UK- A UK charity providing advice and support for those experiencing mental health problems. Provides information on commonly experienced mental health issues and offers support through a confidential helpline and an online support community. The website also provides contact information for local Mind centres which provide advocacy, counselling, and other support services.

MIND BLMK - Mind BLMK offers a range of options for individual support in the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes are. Find out more about the services we offer where you live.

NHS Choices Moodzone - NHS Choices offers a wide range of resources about all aspects of health and well-being that can support service users and health and care professional in their work with patients and clients. This link takes you directly to information about stress anxiety and depression.

Samaritans - Provide advice and support for psychological and emotional issues through a confidential helpline, email support, or through local branches which can be access via the website. Samaritans know a lot about what can help you through tough times. They can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.

Domestic Violence

National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) - Provides a free fast emergency service to survivors of domestic violence, regardless of race, financial situation, gender or sexual orientation. They work closely with partner agencies and help people apply for an injunction quickly.

Respect - An information and advice line (0808 202 4040) for anyone who is concerned about violence or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner. Support also offered via email. Respect also provides advice to frontline workers.

Refuge - Offer a range of services to support women and children who experience all forms of violence and abuse. Can be contacted through a 24-hour Freephone confidential helpline – 0808 2000 247.

National Domestic Violence Helpline - Freephone 0808 2000 247 - a 24 hour helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge. It is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.

Men’s Advice Line - Men’s Advice line is a national freephone helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse. The Helpline welcomes calls from men in heterosexual or same sex relationships. They also provide advice to frontline workers.

Women’s Aid - Women’s Aid Federation of England (Women’s Aid) is the national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children.

Safer Lives - A national charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for good. They combine insight from services, survivors and statistics to support people to become safe, well and rebuild their lives. Since 2005, Safe Lives has worked with organisations across the country to transform the response to domestic abuse, with over 60,000 victims at highest risk of murder or serious harm now receiving co-ordinated support annually.

Scottish Women’s Aid - Women’s Aid can offer advice and support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse. The national office can provide contact details for your local Women’s Aid group.

Welsh Women’s Aid - WWA is the national umbrella organisation representing local Women’s Aid Groups situated throughout Wales. Our member groups provide direct services for women and children who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.

Victims Code of Practice (VCOP) - Adopted Government standards

LGBT

Galop - London’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community safety charity.

Stonewall- Working for equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.

Schools Out - Formal and informal support network for all people who want to raise the issue of homophobia and heterosexism in education.

Online Security

Stay Safe Online - Learn how to protect yourself, your family and devices with these tips and resources.

Cyber Aware - Cyber Aware (formerly Cyber Streetwise) aims to drive behaviour change amongst small businesses and individuals, so that they adopt simple secure online behaviours to help protect themselves from cyber criminals: install the latest software and app updates and use a strong, separate password for your email. This is based on expert advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ

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