Received hate mail through the post - inform police?

[GeordieBadgers]

I realise this is probably going to sound trollish and unbelievable.

Today some rather bitchy hate mail arrived at my address (sent through the post from somewhere local). It didn't mention violence but it was emotionally threatening and vile (referred to my body, my parenting). I have quite severe mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder) so this hate mail has made me feel deeply scared. I suspect I know who it is from (but of course, cannot prove). To avoid drip-feeding:

A few months ago I was seeing a NHS therapist to deal with my mental health issues. He tried it on with me (serious stuff - got my personal details from my records and messaged me, turned up at my house, tried to kiss me, etc). I reported him. He lost his job. Consequently his wife has made no secret that she hates me. We all live in the same small town. She probably had something to do with the hate mail.

I realise that due to my mental health issues I'm more disturbed by the hate mail than perhaps the average Joe would be. If you felt as scared as I do, would you inform police? Could they even help?

Thanks in advance everyone.

[tinyterrors]

You've done absolutely nothing to cause or deserve this, none of it is your fault.

Another saying to phone the police and make an appointment as soon as possible, take the note and envelope and your phone and tell them everything. It might help you to write everything down now with whatever times, names, dates etc as you can remember wrt the therapist's behaviour. That way you can refer back to it, or just give it to the police officer, so that nerves and emotions won't cause you to forget anything.

I'd take a photo of the letter and envelope (just in case)without touching if you can, then put both in a plastic bag.

I agree with others that it can be possible for tech savvy people to recover deleted texts, especially from smartphones.

Hopefully the police will be able to find out for definite who is responsible and they leave you alone.

[happypoobum]

The police will be able to tell who sent the messages unless sent from untraceable phone/SIM. I had a similar situation and it was horrible.

Stay strong OP. Most of us would be really scared and worried in your situation so don't feel you are over reacting.

Let the police do their work.

[OnTheTurningAway]

Chaz However, that is only if it goes to court. It is entirely possible that the police could go around, have a word, and it stops completely. It may be that is all that is needed. It might not be necessary to go through a court process at all.

I hope it does go to court. This person should be punished for doing such a horrible thing.

[embo1]

Report it.

[peggyundercrackers]

Definitely report it to the police. Given some of the personal details in the notes and the personal details this other person knew about you it wouldn't take a leap of faith to think they could be connected. Tell the police who you think it is.

I wouldn't wait to go round to a station, give them a call and let them come to you.