National Stalking Awareness Week

The 21st-25th April 2025 is National Stalking Awareness Week. This week is an opportunity to shed light on the often-overlooked issue of stalking.

Stalking is a crime that affects thousands of people, predominantly women. It’s a very serious crime, and its impact can be devastating.

This blog post aims to educate on what stalking is, how to spot the signs, ways to stay safe, and what steps you should take if you or someone you know is being stalked.

What is Stalking?

Stalking is defined as a pattern of unwanted, fixated, and obsessive behaviour directed at an individual.

This can include a wide range of actions, from repeatedly following someone or showing up at their home or workplace, to more subtle behaviors like sending excessive messages or monitoring someone’s social media.

Stalking is not just a nuisance; it is a crime that can have severe physical and emotional consequences for those affected. The impact of stalking can be incredibly distressing and isolating. It can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and even physical harm.

Often, the stalker’s behaviour escalates over time, increasing risk and creating an environment where the victim feels unsafe and powerless.

Who can be a Victim of Stalking?

The media often portrays a typical victim of stalking as famous people, celebrities, and typically a younger woman. However in reality, this is not the case. Anyone can be a victim of stalking—regardless of age, gender, race, social status, or background. Stalking doesn’t discriminate. Stalking is about power and control.

Signs of Stalking

If you know what to look out for, spotting the signs of stalking early on can help keep you safe and get the support you need. Some common indicators of stalking include:

• Repeated Unwanted Communication: This can include texts, phone calls, emails, or social media messages that are persistent and unsolicited.

• Following or Monitoring: Stalkers may follow you physically or monitor your online activity, showing up at places you frequent, such as work or social venues, or tracking your whereabouts.

• Threatening Behaviour: Threats, whether direct or implied should never be ignored.

• Unwanted Gifts or Surprises: While gift-giving may seem harmless, when it’s done obsessively or without consent, it can be a form of manipulation or control.

• Spreading False Information or Rumours: In some cases, stalkers might try to damage your reputation or social relationships by spreading rumours.

• Intense Obsession or Fixation: The stalker may make constant references to your personal life, express deep interest in your whereabouts, or show obsessive behaviour that crosses personal boundaries.

Ways to Keep Safe and/or Minimise Risk

There is never any excuse for stalking and the perpetrator is always the one responsible for the crime. However, if you feel you are being stalked, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are some ways to keep yourself safe:

• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it’s essential to trust your gut. Don’t ignore that nagging feeling that something isn’t right. Tell someone and reach out for support.

• Limit Contact: Try to avoid any unnecessary communication with the person who is stalking you. This includes blocking them on social media and avoiding places where they are likely to show up.

• Increase Security: Consider enhancing your personal security by changing your contact details (phone numbers, email addresses), and making your social media accounts more private.

• Document Everything: Keep a detailed log of any incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions of the events. This gathered evidence can be vital when reporting the stalking to the police.

• Stay Connected: Inform trusted friends, family, and colleagues about the situation so they are aware and can offer support.

What to Do If You Are Being Stalked

Stalking is a very serious crime, and if you believe you are being stalked, it’s important to take it seriously and take immediate action if you can. Here’s what you can do:

1. Report the Stalking: Contact the police and report the stalking behaviour. Stalking is illegal, and law enforcement can help protect you. You can contact the police for non emergencies by calling 101. (Always call 999 in an emergency).
2. Seek Support: Reach out to us here at WomenCentre, or to dedicated stalking support organisations such as The Suzy Lamplugh Trust , Paladin Service, and the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 . They can offer practical advice, emotional support, and help you understand your rights. Victim Support in West Yorkshire also have a dedicated Independant Stalking Advocacy Casework Team that provide support for those experiencing domestic stalking. Find out more here.
3. Consider Legal Protection: Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a restraining order, harassment injunction, a Stalking Prevention Ordedr or other forms of legal protection. A legal professional can assist you in navigating this process, or call the National Stalking Helpline for advice.
4. Access Available Resources: National Stalking Awareness Week provides a wealth of resources for those affected by stalking. There are hotlines, support groups, and organizations that can offer further assistance. Check out more info on the campaign here.

Ending the Cycle: Empowerment and Support

At WomenCentre, we believe that everyone deserves to live without fear of stalking or harassment. We encourage you to talk openly about stalking, and to seek support when needed.

This National Stalking Awareness Week, let’s come together to break the silence, raise awareness, and offer hope to those affected by stalking. Remember: You are not alone, and support is available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, don’t hesitate to reach out. Stalking is a serious crime and it should be treated seriously. 

Further Resources:

West Yorkshire Stalking Support – 

Calderdale Staying Safe

01422 323339

Domestic Abuse support in Calderdale.

www.calderdalestayingsafe.org.uk

West Yorkshire Victim Support Stalking Advocacy Casework Service

0300 373 0978

Victim Support West Yorkshire offers support to anyone aged 16 or over who has been subjected to fixated, obsessive, unwanted, and repeated behaviour from an ex-partner or family member. This can be recent or have happened in the past.

www.victimsupport.org.uk/west-yorkshire/help-after-domestic-stalking

National Stalking Support – 

Action Against Stalking
0800 840 2427
A Scottish charity supporting victims of stalking
www.actionagainststalking.org

The Cyber Helpline:
https://www.thecyberhelpline.com/
Help and advice related to online stalking.

Paladin – National Stalking Advocacy Service:
020 3866 4107
https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/PaladinNSAS
Helpline provides advice to victims of stalking and advocacy to high risk victims of stalking, raises awareness of dangers and risks of stalking, develops a victim’s network of support as well as providing training to professionals and campaigning.

The National Stalking Helpline:
0808 802 0300
https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/national-stalking-helpline
Practical advice and information to anyone who is currently or previously been effected by harassment or stalking.

Revenge Porn Helpline:
0345 6000 459 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Emails can be sent any time to help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk
www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk – A free resource full of useful information for victims of revenge porn, information about what the law says, what can be done to limit its effects and help from organisations such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, along with links to various resources and support agencies.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
www.suzylamplugh.org
To create a safer society and enable everyone to live safer lives. Working for the reduction, and fear of, crime against the person through campaigning for policy and legislative change, research, training, and advice.

Victim Supportline:
0808 168 9111
www.victimsupport.org.uk
Helpline for anyone affected by crime.

HollieGuard

www.hollieguard.com 
The Hollie Guard was developed by the Hollie Gazzard Trust which helps to reduce domestic abuse. The Hollie Guard turns your smartphone into a personal safety device. In danger? Shake your phone or tap the screen to generate an alert. Your location and audio/video evidence will automatically be sent to your emergency contacts who can take action to help you quickly.