Stalking & Harassment Assessment
Expert psychiatric evaluation of Stalking & Harassment behaviours, addressing the risk of harm and the impact of mental disorders on criminal intent. We provide comprehensive forensic analysis for the courts with urgent reports available to meet strict legal deadlines.
Expert Type
- Forensic Psychiatrist
- Consultant Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
Applicable Law
- Protection from Harassment Act 1997
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Stalking Protection Act 2019
- Mental Health Act 1983
When Needed
This assessment is required when a defendant faces charges involving repetitive intrusive behaviour or when an underlying fixated disorder is suspected of driving the offence.
What Is a Stalking & Harassment Assessment?
A Stalking & Harassment Assessment is a specialised forensic evaluation designed to identify the psychological drivers behind repetitive, intrusive behaviours directed at a victim. It examines whether the defendant’s actions are motivated by delusional beliefs, obsessive fixations, or a personality disorder, providing clarity for the court regarding both culpability and future risk.
The assessment evaluates the criteria under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, specifically looking at whether the defendant’s conduct amounts to a course of conduct that they knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment. It provides a clinical framework to understand the fixated nature of the offending behaviour within a legal context.
- Course of conduct — establishing a pattern of repeated unwanted behaviours
- Fixation and obsession — evaluating the intensity and focus of the defendant’s attention
- Psychological motivation — identifying underlying drivers such as rejection, resentment, or intimacy seeking
- Risk of violence — utilising structured professional judgement tools such as the Stalking Risk Profile (SRP) or Stalking Assessment and Management (SAM) framework
- Impact of mental illness — assessing whether symptoms like erotomania or psychosis influenced the behaviour
- Capacity for change — determining the likelihood of future compliance with Stalking Protection Orders
Our Section 12 approved psychiatrists provide expert testimony that bridges the gap between clinical diagnosis and legal responsibility within criminal proceedings. They offer detailed insights into the defendant’s mental state at the time of the alleged offences to assist in fair adjudication.
The resulting report incorporates clinical evidence and psychological testing to assist the court in sentencing and the implementation of appropriate risk management strategies tailored to the specific typology of the stalker.
Key Assessment Components
Our assessment evaluates the following areas:
Clinical Interview
A deep-dive exploration of the defendant’s personal history, motivations, and the development of their fixated interests.
Risk Assessment
Utilization of validated tools such as the Stalking Risk Profile (SRP) to quantify potential harm and recidivism.
Diagnostic Review
Comprehensive evaluation for conditions such as Delusional Disorder or personality traits that drive stalking behaviour.
Victim Impact Analysis
Consideration of the psychological harm caused to the complainant as a result of the defendant’s sustained actions.
Treatment Recommendations
Outlining therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or medication to reduce future risk.
Legal Framework Analysis
Mapping clinical findings against the statutory definitions of stalking and harassment to assist the trier of fact.
Conditions That May Affect This Assessment
A range of psychiatric and psychological conditions can affect this assessment. These include:
The presentation of these conditions can lead to variable risk profiles that require nuanced forensic interpretation to be useful to the court.
Assessment Process
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Instruction Received
Receipt of formal instructions, witness statements, police disclosure, and the defendant’s medical records.
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Expert Matched
Selection of a forensic expert with specific experience in fixated threat assessment and stalking typologies.
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Assessment Conducted
A face-to-face or secure video assessment of the defendant, supplemented by psychometric testing where required.
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Report Delivered
Provision of a CPR Part 35 compliant report with clear clinical conclusions and actionable recommendations.
Turnaround Times
| Urgency Level | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Standard Report | 4-6 weeks from assessment |
| Priority Report | 1-2 weeks |
| Urgent Report | 1-4 days |
What’s Included in the Report
All reports are CPR Part 35 compliant and our experts are available to provide oral testimony in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a Stalking & Harassment Assessment Report?
Contact our team today for a Stalking & Harassment Assessment quote. We provide CVs, fee estimates, and confirmed timelines within 60 minutes.
Related Criminal Assessment Services
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Determining a defendant’s capacity to participate in legal proceedings.
Detailed diagnostic evaluations for Cluster A, B, and C personality disorders.
Specialised assessments for neurodivergence within the criminal justice system.
Expert psychiatric input to inform sentencing options and rehabilitation plans.
