ADVICE has been issued to the public on what to do if they have been subjected to harassment and abuse.

Citizens Advice Allerdale has told the public that if they have been a victim of abusive or threatening behaviour near their home or out and about, it may be considered harassment.

The citizens advice organisation defines harassment as: “When someone behaves in a way which makes you feel distressed, humiliated or threatened. It could be someone you know, like a neighbour or people from you local area or it could be a stranger – for example, someone on the bus.”

Harassment does not have to be verbal. It could also involve threatening or upsetting messages on social media or over the phone. In their advice to potential victims, the organisation said: “Harassment is both a criminal offence and a civil action under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

“This means that someone can be prosecuted in the criminal courts if they harass you. It also means you can take action against the person in the civil courts.”

They also encourage contacting the police.