Legal action for harassment and stalking
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Legal action for harassment and stalking
In this case study, we detail our client Jacob (not his real name) who suffered prolonged harassment and stalking by his ex-partner Marissa (not her real name). We present an informative overview of the legal action available to safeguard yourself in similar situations of harassment and stalking.
How to deal with long-term online harassment and stalking
Harassment cease and desist letters
What to do when facing non-responsive defendants in harassment cases
Stopping the harassment as your legal objective
How to deal with long-term online harassment and stalking
Almost 15 years ago, Jacob began engaging in frequent conversation with Marissa on a dating website, sparking what initially seemed like a harmless, flirtatious connection. This online relationship gradually evolved into a more intimate in-person relationship, marked by several consensual encounters. However, their relationship eventually came to an end. Little did Jacob know that this ending would trigger a chain of unsettling events.
When the relationship ended, the Marissa’s behaviour took a dark and disturbing turn. What followed was a relentless and distressing campaign of harassment that left no facet of our client's life untouched. Marissa’s actions were deeply troubling. She began inundating Jacob’s former partners with unsolicited emails, levelling unfounded accusations of infidelity. These messages were designed to not only defame our client's reputation but also promote conflict amongst his past relationships. Jacob soon realised that he was being relentlessly pursued, both online and in the physical world, by Marissa.
Her relentless stalking created an atmosphere of perpetual unease, casting a long shadow over his daily life. To further complicate matters, she resorted to the troubling tactic of impersonating third parties online. This manipulative manoeuvre added layers of confusion and distress to an already distressing and complex situation. The collective impact of these actions was nothing short of catastrophic. Jacob’s once-pristine reputation, good mental health and personal relationships were all stretched to their breaking point. The harm caused by this relentless harassment went beyond emotional harm, and it needed quick legal steps to make things right, defend our client's rights, and bring his suffering to an end.
Harassment cease and desist letters
Upon receiving Jacob’s instructions, we took the necessary steps to initiate legal action to halt the relentless harassment he was facing. Our initial strategy involved crafting a carefully worded cease-and-desist letter, sometimes referred to as a "letter before legal action." This letter served as a pivotal first step in our effort to address the situation legally. A harassment cease-and-desist letter is a formal written communication sent to the individual engaging in harmful or harassing activities.
This letter serves as a direct warning, notifying the recipient that their behaviour is unacceptable and requests it to cease immediately. It aims to resolve disputes, prevent further harm, and often provides an opportunity for the parties involved to reach an amicable resolution without resorting to more formal legal proceedings. In many cases, the cease-and-desist letter offers an opportunity for the recipient to resolve the matter amicably. This can include a request for the harasser to acknowledge their actions, apologise, or engage in a mediation or negotiation process to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
The letter also typically warns the recipient of the potential legal consequences should they choose to disregard the cease-and-desist demand. It may mention that further legal action will be pursued if necessary to protect the victim's rights. Overall, a cease-and-desist letter serves multiple purposes. It provides clear notice to the harasser that their actions are unacceptable and must stop immediately. It creates a written record of the harassment and the victim's efforts to resolve the issue through legal means. It offers a chance for the parties involved to settle the matter without resorting to costly and time-consuming litigation.
Lastly, if the harasser fails to comply with the solicitor harassment letter, the letter will still establishe a legal basis for further legal action, such as obtaining a restraining order or pursuing a civil lawsuit. Unfortunately, in Jacob’s case, despite the well-documented harassment cease-and-desist letter sent to the harasser, it was met with complete disregard. Marissa not only ignored the demand to cease her harmful activities but also returned the letter unacknowledged. This non-response from the harasser presented a significant obstacle in our pursuit of a resolution, leading us to explore alternative legal avenues to protect our client's rights and well-being.
How to address a harasser
Recognising Marissa’s persistent attempts to avoid formal legal proceedings for harassment, we understood the importance of ensuring that she was properly served with legal documents. To achieve this, we have asked our open source investigation team to confirm the harasser's current place of residence, which had remained unchanged for a substantial five-year period.
With these details confirmed, we proceeded to send additional correspondence to the harasser, building upon the initial letter of claim. Our intent was clear: to give her an opportunity to address the allegations against her, resolve the matter amicably, and put an end to the ongoing torment our client had endured.
Regrettably, the harasser had failed to engage, which is fairly unusual in those circumstances. Marissa continued to disregard our attempts to engage her in a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the issues at hand. This persistent non-response posed a significant challenge in our pursuit of a resolution and necessitated a shift in our legal approach to protect our client's rights and well-being effectively.
Notwithstanding the apparent absence of active involvement from the perpetrator, the cease of harassment promptly followed our initial communication. Previously, our client endured a daily onslaught of harassment, yet for several consecutive months, the harasser seems to have ceased their misconduct.
Stopping the harassment as your legal objective
Our firm remained vigilant, poised to initiate legal proceedings should any indications of harassment against our client arise. It was our client's primary objective to cease the harassment rather than engage in legal battles. This objective has been achieved, empowering the client to proceed with his life, reassured by the firm's readiness to take swift action if harassment were to persist.
Although our client did not receive a direct response from Marissa, he expressed contentment with the resolution of the situation. He believed that our letters had reached the harasser, prompting her decision to halt the campaign of harassment. This closure brought much-needed relief to our client after enduring relentless turmoil.
Moreover, our client found comfort in knowing that our law firm was fully prepared to confront any potential future harassment from the defendant. This assurance stemmed from our firm's thorough approach to safeguarding his rights and interests.
Our dedication to protecting Jacob extended beyond the immediate resolution, ensuring that he could face the future with confidence, knowing that legal expertise and support were readily accessible if needed. This readiness provided our client with the ability to regain control over his life and move forward with renewed assurance, supported by a steadfast legal partner.
Case studies are based on true cases where names, dates and circumstances have often been amended to protect the identity of those involved.
