Stalking
Stalking can affect anyone, and the person responsible can be anyonewhether a former partner, acquaintance, colleague, or even a stranger. It can be committed by both men and women.
Stalking involves persistent and unwanted attention that causes the victim distress. It is important to recognise the behaviours associated with stalking, and one way to understand it is by using the acronym FOUR, which highlights key behaviours:
- F - Fixated: The perpetrator is excessively preoccupied with the victim.
- O - Obsessive: A pattern of behaviour that includes a significant amount of time, effort, and resources focused on the victim.
- U - Unwanted: The behaviour is not welcomed, and the perpetrator is indifferent to the distress their actions are causing.
- R - Repeated: The perpetrator continues their behaviour with persistence and a sense of entitlement.
Speak out and support
You can share what happened in whichever of these two ways feels most comfortable for you.
To arrange an appointment with one of our advisers, please complete our online form. You may choose how much information you wish to share, and accessing support does not require making a formal report. Alternatively, you can choose to report anonymously.
If you are having difficulty completing the form, please email studentcases@ucb.ac.uk.
Signs of stalking
Stalking can occur with or without a direct threat of violence. If you are receiving persistent unwanted contact that causes distress, even if the person has not made threats, it is still stalking. This is not acceptable.
Stalking behaviours can include:
- Sending repeated flowers or gifts
- Making unwanted phone calls, texts, or online messages
- Damaging property
- Engaging in physical or sexual assault
If someone’s actions are making you feel anxious, distressed, or fearful, and their behaviour is ongoing, it’s important to recognise it as stalking.
Emotional impact of stalking
Stalking can have a significant emotional and psychological impact, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress. You may feel as though you’ve somehow caused the behaviour, but it is essential to understand that stalking is never your fault.
No one has the right to invade your privacy, restrict your freedom, or make you feel unsafe.
Support for students
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or has been seriously injured, call 999 right away.
If something has just happened and you feel unsafe, try to get to a secure location. If you're on campus, speak to a member of staff immediately - they can help you contact emergency services or the Safeguarding Team.
You can use UCB’s internal support routes to make a disclosure and speak with a trained advisor. They’ll help you understand your options - whether you need emotional support, academic adjustments, practical advice, or help creating a safety plan.
You are in control of what happens next. Making a disclosure does not automatically trigger disciplinary action unless you request it. You can self-refer via our reporting tool. If you have any questions, you can speak to an adviser at studentcases@ucb.ac.uk.
Support at University College Birmingham
We know it can be difficult to speak out, but you don’t have to go through this alone. UCB offers compassionate, person-centred support for any student affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, or any form of harm.
If you or someone else is vulnerable or at risk, please contact our Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@ucb.ac.uk. All concerns are handled confidentially and sensitively.
Reporting options
At University College Birmingham, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. If you experience or witness stalking or any other form of unacceptable behaviour, you can choose how and when to report it.
University College Birmingham Reporting via Target Connect
You can now report an incident using UCB’s reporting tool. This platform allows you to make a report with your name or you can submit one anonymously, and you can indicate whether or not you would like any further action taken. Using this tool does not automatically trigger a formal complaint - it's your choice how you wish to proceed.
Through Target Connect, you can also request support from UCB’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Service. Our trained staff are here to listen and help you explore your options in a confidential and non-judgmental space. This may include accessing wellbeing support, academic adjustments, or formal processes.
You can also contact the service directly at studentcases@ucb.ac.uk.
Reporting to the police
If you are not in immediate danger but wish to report a crime, you can contact the police in the following ways:
- Calling 101
- Using West Midlands Police Live Chat
- Contacting your local police force online
Police forces have specially trained officers who deal with reports of domestic abuse and sexual violence and can support you through the process. If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, always call 999.
Support without making a formal complaint
We understand that not everyone wants to make a formal report. UCB is committed to supporting you regardless of whether or not you choose to take formal action. You can:
- Submit a report via our reporting tool for confidential support
- Email studentcases@ucb.ac.uk to speak with our Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Service
Making a disclosure does not automatically trigger disciplinary procedures. You will be in control of what happens next.
If you decide to make a formal complaint
If you do wish to pursue a formal complaint through the University (e.g., in relation to another student or a member of staff), this process will follow UCB’s investigations procedure.
You can discuss the process first by emailing studentcases@ucb.ac.uk. We can help you understand what the process involves before making a formal submission.
If the incident has already been reported to the police, please include the following information in your email to support any university-based actions:
- Crime Reference Number(s)
- Name and course of the person you reported
- Date(s) and location(s) of the incident(s)
- A brief description of the incident (e.g., assault, harassment)
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
At University College Birmingham, your mental health matters. We offer a range of support services to help you feel safe, supported, and heard.
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team includes qualified counsellors and advisers who can offer up to six one-to-one support sessions per term. This includes help with emotional wellbeing, mental health concerns, and coping strategies for challenges that may affect your studies or personal life.
To access this service, you can self-refer via the student portal.
24/7 Support: Student Assistance Programme
In addition to in-house support, students also have access to the Student Assistance Programme, a confidential 24/7 helpline offering:
- Emotional support
- Counselling
- Legal and financial advice
- Practical guidance for everyday challenges
- This service is available day or night, 365 days a year.
Wisdom App
The Wisdom App gives you access to a wide range of mental health and wellbeing resources, including self-help tools, guided meditations, and wellbeing articles - all at your fingertips.
Please find the app downloadable from your app marketplace. Find out more.
External specialist services
National Stalking Helpline (Suzy Lamplugh Trust)
Provides practical information, support, and advice on risk assessment, safety planning, and the legal aspects of stalking. Support is available for victims, their families, friends, and professionals. Call 0808 802 0300 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM, extended hours until 8:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays).
Paladin Service
A trauma-informed service assisting high-risk stalking victims in England and Wales. Their team of trained Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) ensure victims are supported and help create a coordinated community response to keep victims and their families safe.
Action Against Stalking
A non-gendered service that provides a comprehensive throughcare approach, supporting victims in all aspects of their stalking experience.
Protection Against Stalking
A national charity working within communities to raise awareness of stalking and offer specialized support services for victims.
Women’s Aid
A national organisation supporting women and children impacted by domestic abuse, including stalking, harassment, and online abuse. Local support is available through Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid or Black Country Women’s Aid Stalking and Harassment Service. They can be contacted between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday to Friday on 0121 553 0090 or the 24-hour helpline at 0121 552 6448.
Umbrella (Sexual Health Support)
Provides sexual health services, including self-sampling STI kits available online. You can also contact the national sexual health helpline at 0800 567 123 (free). For more details, visit the NHS's sexual health page. Umbrella also offers a Young People’s Counselling Service. To self-refer, call 0121 237 5700 (Monday to Wednesday) or text 0734 173 9453 (Monday-Wednesday) / 0796 845 9179 (Wednesday-Friday).
The Cyber Helpline
Offers expert support for victims of cybercrime, online harassment, and stalking.
Refuge
Refuge is the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK. They offer support to survivors, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives - free from fear.
Victim Support
Offers assistance to anyone who has been the victim of a crime, supporting them through the emotional and practical aftermath and helping with police reporting.
How to support someone who has been subjected to stalking
Knowing how to help someone who has experienced stalking can be challenging. It can be a frightening and confusing time for both the person affected and for you. It's important that they are made aware of the support available to students, both from UCB and external services.
If you're concerned about another student’s wellbeing and want to talk to someone, please email studentcases@ucb.ac.uk or use the reporting tool. When sharing any information, it's essential to ensure that the person knows what details are being shared about them, as sometimes actions could unintentionally put them at greater risk.
You can also suggest that they reach out to specialist support services that they feel comfortable with. If immediate help is needed, encourage them to contact the police by calling 999.
Advice on offering support
Be Supportive and Non-Judgmental: It's crucial that the person feels believed. Listen carefully and avoid judgment. Often, individuals who are experiencing stalking may blame themselves. Reassure them that the stalking is not their fault.
Respect Their Decisions: Try to offer support without pushing advice. It's important that the individual feels empowered to make their own decisions. Even if you disagree with their choices, encourage them to explore all available options independently.
Avoid Asking "Why": Don’t ask why the stalking is happening, as this may lead the person to think they could have done something to prevent it - which they could not have. The responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.
Look After Yourself: Supporting someone can be emotionally taxing. Make sure you also take care of yourself and seek support if needed. It’s okay to reach out for help when you're supporting someone else.
Be Patient: They may not be ready to talk right now, and you might feel like you're not doing enough. However, simply being there for them can be incredibly important. Don’t force them to provide more details than they are comfortable sharing.