Harassment Cease and Desist
Letter putting an alleged harasser on notice that their conduct may amount to harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Someone has engaged in a course of conduct that amounts (or may amount) to harassment, and you want to formally warn them before escalating to police or civil proceedings.
When NOT to use this template
If you are in immediate physical danger — call 999. For domestic abuse — apply for a non-molestation order (free, no court fee, often same-day).
Legal Basis
Protection from Harassment Act 1997 ss.1, 3, 7; Malicious Communications Act 1988 (where electronic).
Before you send
- Sending in heat — let the letter be calm, factual, and dated
- Threatening criminal prosecution you have no power to bring — the police/CPS prosecute, not you
- Failing to keep a contemporaneous incident log
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Sending in heat — let the letter be calm, factual, and dated
- ✗Threatening criminal prosecution you have no power to bring — the police/CPS prosecute, not you
- ✗Failing to keep a contemporaneous incident log
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
WITHOUT PREJUDICE SAVE AS TO COSTS
[Your Name]
[Your Address — solicitor's address preferable]
[RECIPIENT'S NAME]
[RECIPIENT'S ADDRESS]
Date: [DATE]
Dear [RECIPIENT'S NAME],
Unwanted conduct directed at [COMPLAINANT'S NAME (YOU OR YOUR CLIENT)]
I write on behalf of [COMPLAINANT'S NAME (YOU OR YOUR CLIENT)] ("our client") in relation to your conduct toward them. The matters below amount (or may amount) to a course of conduct under section 1 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
1. The conduct
[SPECIFIC CONDUCT WITH DATES]
2. The legal position
Under section 1 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, a person must not pursue a course of conduct which amounts to harassment of another and which they know or ought to know amounts to harassment. The Act provides both criminal sanctions (section 2: up to 6 months' imprisonment) and civil remedies (section 3: damages and injunctive relief).
Alternatively or additionally, your conduct may amount to:
- Malicious communications under section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988
- Stalking under sections 2A or 4A of the 1997 Act
- Threats or assault under separate criminal provisions
3. Action required
You must cease immediately, and refrain from, all of the following:
[WHAT THE RECIPIENT MUST STOP DOING]
You must not initiate any contact with our client, directly or indirectly, via any medium (including social media, third parties, or through their family), save through us.
4. Consequences of non-compliance
If you do not comply with this notice, our client will consider:
(a) Reporting your conduct to the police;
(b) Issuing civil proceedings under section 3 of the 1997 Act for an injunction and damages;
(c) Where appropriate, applying for a non-molestation order under the Family Law Act 1996 if the relationship qualifies.
This letter and your conduct since may be relied upon as evidence of knowledge — a person is treated as knowing the conduct amounts to harassment if a reasonable person in possession of the same information would think the course of conduct amounted to harassment of the other (s.1(2) PHA 1997).
5. Acknowledgement
Please confirm in writing within 14 days that you will comply.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME / YOUR FIRM]Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.