Here’s a clear, practical explanation of what can still count as harassment, stalking, or indirect contact in Spain after a restraining order has expired.

Even when an order ends, certain behaviours can still be treated as new offences under Spanish law if they are unwanted, repeated, or cause distress.

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🚨 1. Harassment (acoso)

This is repeated behaviour that disturbs your peace or wellbeing, even without direct contact.

Examples include:

• Repeated unwanted messages (texts, WhatsApp, email, social media)
• Repeated phone calls after being told to stop
• Showing up repeatedly near your home, work, or regular places
• Persistent attempts to communicate after being told not to

👉 Key point: it doesn’t have to be violent — repetition + unwanted contact is enough

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👁️ 2. Stalking (stalking / “stalking” under Spanish law – Art. 172 ter CP)

This is more serious and involves monitoring or controlling behaviour over time.

Examples:

• Following you or tracking your movements
• Waiting outside your home, workplace, or regular routes
• Monitoring your social media in an obsessive or controlling way
• Sending messages through multiple accounts after being blocked
• Asking others to watch or report your movements

👉 Key point: it’s about control, surveillance, or persistent pursuit

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🔁 3. Indirect contact (contacto indirecto)

This is often misunderstood. It includes trying to reach you through other people or channels.

Examples:

• Messaging your friends or family about you
• Asking others to pass messages to you (“tell her I said…”)
• Using third parties to check on you or influence you
• Contacting you through fake accounts or new numbers
• Turning up where you are likely to be through information obtained indirectly

👉 Key point: you don’t have to be contacted directly for it to count

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⚖️ Important legal reality

After a restraining order ends:

• These behaviours are not “breaches” of the old order
• But they can become new criminal complaints
• Police can act immediately if there is evidence of harassment or stalking
• Prior history can be relevant in assessing risk and seriousness

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🧠 Simple summary

Even without an active order, the law still protects you against:

• Repeated unwanted contact
• Surveillance or following
• Pressure through other people
• Behaviour that creates fear, distress, or loss of peace

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