Criminal Harrassment

Q: What are examples of criminal harassment?

A:Criminal harassment is usually committed by someone whom you know; often it is someone whom you have been close to. It frequently occurs during a breakup or divorce. It often goes unreported because the person at whom it is directed hopes that it will die down or that s/he can deal with it alone. Sometimes romantic behaviour which at first seems acceptable changes, or starts to feel inappropriate, strange, or unacceptable. If someone repeatedly contacts you, follows you, lies in wait for you, will not take "no" for an answer, and behaves in ways that you find unsettling, you should seek assistance. The unwanted behaviour may escalate; it may become threatening or frightening. The following are examples of harassment that can escalate into criminal behaviour. You should seek assistance in a situation of this kind: Unwanted gifts You receive a weekly present - flowers and other gifts - from a colleague in another

department. This colleague has asked you out on dates. You have indicated that you are not interested and do not want any more gifts; however, your colleague continues to send presents. You are feeling uncomfortable and are concerned about the gift bearer’s intentions. Repeated contact (phone calls, messages, emails, letters) You are being inundated with e-mails from an ex-partner that have left you feeling unsettled and confused. The messages are sometimes friendly, and ask if you can work things out; at other times they are hostile and insulting. Some of your friends and family have also started getting voice mail from the same individual attempting to contact you through them.