Alarm Harassment Or Distress

[nailit]

Is there a UK law that identifies what EXACTLY constitutes alarm, harassment or distress?
Thanks?
Or is it a bit wishy washy?
TIA.

[jno]

highly unlikely, I would have thought; how could anyone define distress exactly? Heartbeat rates? Volume of tears shed? It would almost certainly be decided on a case by case basis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intentional_harassment,_alarm_or_distress

[Mamyalynne]

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/366974/response/892883/attach/2/Extract%20Public%20Order%20Act%201986%20Doc.pdf

[nailit]

Mamy, According to that link, most of AB should be prosecuted.

[Mamyalynne]

Wouldn't dare comment ;-)

[nailit]

^
I know Mamy!
Its a minefield ;-)
Would still be interested to know the law tho! It seems a bit ambiguous.

[Baldric]

// According to that link, most of AB should be prosecuted //

Why?

[nailit]

Because its ambiguous Baldric. It doesn't state exactly what constitutes threatening or abusive language for example.

[Mamyalynne]

I'm not sure such issues can be stated without some ambiguity - what may alarm or distress one is often different for others.

[Baldric]

Back to the drawing board!

[nailit]

//I'm not sure such issues can be stated without some ambiguity - what may alarm or distress one is often different for others//

Hence proving my point.

[Baldric]

Not really tbf.

[nailit]

//Not really tbf.//
Yes really tbf.

[Tilly2]

What's the reason for the question, Nails? Can you be more specific?

[Prudie]

I think I've seen being charged with harassment but never alarm nor distress.

[Baldric]

Come on then Naitit, explain please.

[nailit]

//What's the reason for the question, Nails? Can you be more specific?//
Yes, some news items here and there and some You Tube vids that ive been viewing (body cams). It seems that this law is pliable and dependant upon interpretation....and the law shouldn't be like that!

[nailit]

// It seems that this law is pliable and dependant upon interpretation//
A bit like AB...

[Tilly2]

Well, that's true.

[Mamyalynne]

Wish I'd known you didn't really want answers.

Not all of life fits into little labelled boxes.

[Peter Pedant]

Not knowing any thing about this at all...
like everyone on AB - I will chip in my two penny worth

I thought harassment was the subject of Protection from harassment Act - but it seems the Equality Act is engaged too

"Harassment is when someone behaves in a way which offends you or makes you feel distressed or intimidated."

so it is what you say it is
( I would say subjective, but this has a special meaning in law and just clouds the issue rather than clears it)

There is quite a lot of it around - if you say - I was terrified - someone will not say - oh bad luck, our heart monitor showed you had a heart rate of 110 and terror is only allowed if it is over 150.
( subjective over objective)

My next door neighbour rang up the police at midnight and said I was in her garding terrifying her and they came around with gusto. I was in London ( hooray! ) but I now do not speak to her unless there is a third person present. ever. and that includes ignoring her if it is just her n me.