Stalking or Harassment Prosecution Guidance
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This prosecution guidance aids prosecutors in decision-making regarding cases involving stalking and harassment. It emphasizes the totality of victim experiences, appropriate charge selection, and the crucial role prosecutors play in supporting victims throughout the legal process. It encompasses evidential considerations, public interest factors, and necessary support for victims. Additionally, it outlines the intersection of these offences with domestic abuse and relevant statutory provisions.
Key points
- Prosecutors should assess whether the victim's conduct amounts to stalking or harassment based on the totality of their experiences.
- The guidance emphasizes proper charge selection in line with evidential considerations and public interest factors.
- Support for victims is critical; prosecutors must consider their safety and needs from the outset.
- Evidential requirements include establishing a 'course of conduct' that comprises multiple incidents over time.
- The prosecutor's role includes advocating for appropriate sentencing and protective orders.
Public-interest factors
- Seriousness of the offence
- Culpability of the offender
- Harm caused to the victim
- Impact on the community
- Previous attempts at resolving the issue through alternative measures
- Existence of a pattern of behavior
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.