Criminal Harassment, Assault Reporting to Police

Criminal harassment, also called stalking, is a serious crime that you should report to the police right away. Stalking is when someone keeps following you, contacting you, or watching your home or workplace. It’s not about love or caring—it’s abuse.

Examples of stalking include:

• Repeated phone calls
• Repeated emails, letters, DMs, or text messages
• Sending unwanted gifts
• Showing up uninvited to your work or home
• Tracking your routine

If you are being stalked, here’s what you can do:

• Contact the police immediately.
• Record every contact your stalker makes with you. Write down the date, time, and place, even if it seems small. Save screenshots, voicemails, DMs, etc.
• Tell trusted friends or family. Ask them to note any contact with the stalker or anything they witness.
• Talk to your boss, especially if the stalker is a co-worker.
• Apply for a peace bond.
• Increase your safety. This might mean changing your phone number, social media privacy settings, or locks.
• Install lights outside your home and trim bushes that block your view.
• Don’t share your travel or social plans publicly.

Stalking can become very dangerous and lead to a lot of stress, fear, and anxiety. It’s important to contact the police right away if you think you’re being stalked.

When harassment is not dealt with, the chance of physical assault increases.

Assault is when someone touches you in a way you don’t agree (consent) to. It could be hitting, slapping, punching, tripping, or kicking. Sexual assault could be groping, forced hugs when you’re trying to push them away, forced kissing, or rape.

You cannot give consent if you are drunk, high, asleep, or unconscious. You can also take back your consent anytime, even if you said yes before. If someone ignores this and continues, it is against the law. Always remember that your safety and comfort come first.

Assault is never a sign of love or respect. It’s a way for someone to try to have power over you.

If you have been physically assaulted, you can report it to the police. It’s your right to choose if and when you want to report it. This is a personal choice that only you can make. There are many support services to help you with this decision.

Initial Report: When you first report a crime, a police officer will take your report. Right away, you’ll be connected to Victim Services, who can support you during the investigation and court process. Filing a report also starts the investigation.

File Assigned: After you make the report, a specific officer or investigator will be assigned to your case. This person will contact you to set up a formal interview, where they’ll ask questions to get important details. Sometimes, these interviews are recorded. If you are under 16 years old, a social worker from Child Protective Services will also be involved to ensure you’re safe.

Investigation: The police will then start their investigation. This might include gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and looking at phone or medical records. Victim Services will be there to support you through the whole process. The goal is to discover the facts and hold the person responsible for the crime.

Suspect Identification: The police will identify the suspect, the person believed to have committed the crime. Even if you already know who the person is, the police must confirm the suspect through their own process to be sure.

Arrest and Charges: Once the suspect is identified, they will be arrested and charged. This starts the court process. Talk to the police and Victim Services about what happens next, as it can vary depending on the situation.

Important! You can ask the police and Victim Services for help at any time. If you decide not to continue with the investigation, you can stop participating at any stage. Just let the police and Victim Services know if you choose to do this.

Legal Info NS Safe at Work App - legalinfo.org/safeatwork

Sexual Assault Survivors Independent Legal Advice program - novascotia.ca/sexualassaultlegaladvice

Avalon Sexual Assault Centre - https://avaloncentre.ca/

Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association - awrcsasa.ca/

Colchester Sexual Assault Centre - www.colchestersac.ca/

Victim Services Nova Scotia - novascotia.ca/just/victim_services