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If you are in immediate danger or need emergency medical assistance, dial 999 immediately and return to this page later. This system is not linked to emergency services. 

Information about self-swab kits

Concerns have been raised by specialist organisations about sexual violence self-swab kits, or “rape kits”, marketed to collect evidence after rape or sexual assault.

The Royal College of Physicians and the National Police Chiefs’ Council state these kits shouldn't replace specialist support services.

For advice, contact the Specialist Wellbeing team or see the Sexual Misconduct section.

It can be difficult to recognise when a person is being stalked. Stalking often develops over time, with behaviours that may at first seem harmless on their own, but become very freighting when they are repeated or form a pattern.

The person may explain away individual incidents or may not realise that a pattern of behaviour is developing.

Banner heading: urgent support

  • Are they in immediate danger or need urgent medical help? If they are in immediate danger or have been seriously injured, call the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone). Report and Support is not an emergency reporting tool.
  • Find a safe space. If an incident has happened, and it is safe to do so, help them to get to a place they feel safe.
  • Call Campus Security if they are on campus - 01227 823333
  • Do not pressure them to report the incident. If they do not want to discuss their options at this time, that is okay. Allow them to go at their own pace. 

Signs someone maybe experiencing stalking

Below is a small example of the type of behaviours which may be signs of stalking.

  • Receiving frequent unwanted communications, including emails, letters, telephone calls, messages
  • Finding unwanted gifts left outside their home or accommodation
  • Being monitored or having someone track their online activity or location
  • Receiving excessive communications at different times of the day and night
  • Seeing someone repeatedly near their workplace, home or places they visit regularly
  • Being contacted by fake social-media accounts on a regular basis
  • Receiving repeated unwanted contact through multiple platforms after asking the person to stop.

These behaviours may follow the FOUR model because they are: Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted and Repeated.

Banner heading: how to offer support

If what they are telling you fits this pattern, encourage them to seek advice and support.

It can be helpful to:

  • Let them know you are concerned. 
  • Listen to them without judgement, believe them, and take their concerns seriously.
  • Reassure them that it is not their fault, and support is available.
  • If they do not want to take action at the moment, respect their choice while continuing to let them know that support is available.
  • If something does not feel right, encourage them to trust their instincts and seek advice, even if they are unsure whether what they are are experiencing is stalking.
  • Encourage them to contact us, or to look at the resources page for external support. 
  • Help them record incidents or save evidence, if they would like your help and it is safe to do so. This might include dates, times, screenshots or photographs.
  • Avoid confronting or contacting the person causing concern yourself, as this could increase risk.
  • Respect their privacy. Do not share what they have told you with others without their permission, unless you believe they or someone else is in immediate danger.

It may take them some time before they feel able to take the next step or acknowledge what is happening, especially if it involves someone they know. Being patient, listening and remaining supportive can make a real difference.

Banner heading: signpost

  • Specialist Wellbeing Team During office hours, the Specialist Wellbeing Team provide practical support and advice to anyone who has experienced an incident and would like support. Support is available at both Medway and Canterbury campuses. Appointments can be booked by emailing KentSSW@kent.ac.uk, or by calling 01227 823158 from Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
  • Report and Support. Report and Support is the University’s online reporting tool. They can choose to make an anonymous report or request support from an adviser. Requesting support does not automatically start a formal complaint. They can receive confidential support without making a formal report. The option they choose determines what happens next: anonymous reports help the University understand patterns and concerns, while requesting adviser support allows an adviser to contact you to discuss your options. No formal investigation will be triggered without your consent, but you can still access support.
  • Know your limits and the support available. You can be a strong source of support, but you are not responsible for managing someone else’s wellbeing. Familiarise yourself with the Report and Support pages so that you can signpost them to appropriate help.

Banner heading: Ongoing Support

  • Even if they don’t choose to report the incident or seek external support, reassure them that they have your ongoing support
  • Check in with them periodically.
  • Give them space to talk about what has happened.
  • Reassure them it is not their fault.
  • Let them know there is support available and that they are not alone.

If you are concerned that they or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone). If they are on campus, you can also contact Campus Security on 01227 823333.

Look after yourself

Remember to look after your own wellbeing too. Supporting someone can be emotionally demanding. It is okay to seek support for yourself, even if the experience did not happen to you.

All the support available to those directly affected by stalking is also available to supporters. 

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There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Make a named report and speak to an adviser or Give an anonymous report