What Is Harassment From A Neighbor?

Harassment from a neighbor is any form of aggressive behavior from your neighbor that may cause any form of physical and mental suffering. Harassment could be in various forms for example sexual harassment, verbal harassment, racial harassment, bullying and so much more.

What Constitutes Harassment From A Neighbor?

Whether the behavior from your neighbor needs a cause for alarm or not, it is very important to know if that kind of behavior is among the following offensive actions and may constitute harassment. This will allow you to protect yourself from the slightest inconvenience. It is also important to remember that some of these are outright forms of harassment. There must be continuous or repetitive occurrences to be considered harassment. The following can be forms of harassment from your neighbors.

  1. Physical Assault.

Physical assault can be any act of physical harm inflicted on a person. Various forms of physical harassment can include touching one’s body, back, kissing, shoulders, and rubbing one’s feet without permission. You need to take caution when it comes to physical assault. This is because your neighbor can easily direct these forms of sexual assault to your children and loved ones.

  1. Sexual Harassment.

Sexual harassment can include any form of behavior that includes unnecessary sexual remarks or physical advances from a neighbor. Sexual harassment may lead to defilement and rape. You should take action on sexual harassment in time.

  1. Threats Relating To Assault.

A threat can be any intentional behavior that leads to fear in the assaulted that they may be injured. Threats may be considered harmless but can affect your psychological health and peace just as much as any other form of harassment.

  1. Stalking

This is any form of following and watching someone illegally over a wrong period. Stalking is dangerous as it leads to an invasion of privacy. 

  1. Property Damage.

Your neighbor can go as far as ruining your property, breaking windows, cars, or any other of your property without permission.

  1. Graffiti.

Your neighbor may use your property to make any form of graffiti without your permission. Whether the art is harmful or harmless, as long as there is no permission. This is a form of harassment.

  1. Unnecessary Noise. 

This can be any excessive or usually loud sound that disturbs any peace of your neighbor. If your neighbor plays some loud music at a wedding or birthday, it is not a form of harassment.

Any other form of harassment that may cause harm to your physical and mental health will be considered harassment. These can be bullying including cyberbullying, psychological abuse, and domestic violence is a form of harassment.

Steps To Deal with Harassment

Now that you know what constitutes harassment from a neighbor, it is also important to know what you should do to stop the harassment. The first step is to talk to your neighbor to mediate issues, if the harassment persists, ensure to take videos or photographs to use as evidence when you meet the police or your landlord. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the police at any time if you feel threatened.

The article deals very briefly with the different activities which constitutes harassment. It covers what harassment is and what it constitutes, and it is advised to  take the step to stop it anytime you see it.

  1. Should I call the police at any slightest inconvenience?

Yes, if you ever feel threatened and harassed by your neighbors, you should report to any relevant authorities and see that you are heard. It is important at all times that you should feel secure and safe in your home.

  1. Are there any neighbor harassment laws in case I need to go to court?

Yes, every country or state puts into force various laws to protect you from harassment from your abusers. You are entitled to protection from this offensive behavior and any forms of assault.

  1. What forms of legal protection can I get as protection from harassment?

There are forms of legal protection for harassment and may vary according to your country or state. Legal protection can be through restraining orders or court-ordered jurisdiction.