Protection from Harassment Act 1997
In 2012, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 was amended to identify stalking as a criminal offence. Stalking is a criminal offence and the most serious stalking offences can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Stalking Protection Order
The Stalking Protection Act 2019 introduced Stalking Protection Orders (SPO). An SPO is a civil order; however, breach of an SPO is a criminal offence that can result in imprisonment and/or a fine.
SPOs are used to prevent a perpetrator from carrying out acts associated with stalking. They can:
(a) prohibit the perpetrator from doing anything described in the order. An example of this could be preventing the perpetrator from attending locations they know the victim is likely to be.
(b) require the perpetrator to do anything described in the order. An example of this could be positively engaging with an intervention programme specifically designed to address their stalking behaviour.
A victim does not have to be supportive of a criminal prosecution to obtain an SPO. The purpose of an SPO is to protect the victim from further incidents of stalking.
Recent Updates to Legislation
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 has strengthened Stalking Protection Orders (SPO). Courts can now make an SPO on conviction or acquittal where they consider it necessary to protect a victim from stalking-related harm. Previously, SPOs could only be obtained through a police application to a magistrates’ court.
These changes mean protective measures can be put in place more easily and can include both prohibitions and positive requirements, such as participation in a stalking intervention programme. SPOs can ban stalkers from going within a certain distance of their victims or contacting them, and can also require them to engage with programmes designed to address the root causes of their behaviour.
Non-Molestation Order
A Non-Molestation Order (also referred to as a Non-Mol) is a court order to protect a victim and their children from being harmed or threatened by an abuser, such as a partner or ex-partner, close family member, or someone they live with or have lived with. Learn more about who can apply for a Non-Molestation Order. If the abuser breaches this order, they can be arrested.
From November 2026, Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) introduced under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, will be rolled out nationally. They are designed to provide stronger, more flexible protection for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and can be used across the Criminal, Civil and Family jurisdictions.
Online Safety Act 2023
The Online Safety Act 2023 introduced new offences relating to threatening and harmful online communications, including the use of social media, messaging services and other online platforms to send threatening messages.
Image-Based Abuse
Image-based abuse is the taking, creating, sharing or threatening to share intimate images without a person’s consent. This can include so-called “revenge porn”, the sharing of intimate photographs or videos, digitally altered or AI-generated intimate images (“deepfakes”), upskirting, and threats to share intimate images.
The Online Safety Act 2023 introduced new offences covering the sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent. The law also applies to images that appear to show a person, including certain digitally manipulated or AI-generated images.
Image-based abuse is often used by perpetrators as a means of control, intimidation, humiliation and coercion. It may occur during a relationship, after separation, or as part of a pattern of stalking behaviour.
If you are affected by stalking, there is help available from your local domestic abuse service Essex Compass, call 0330 333 7 444.