National Stalking Awareness Week: 20-26 April

Why Awareness Matters – Challenging Common Stalking Myths

National Stalking Awareness Week (20^thto 26^th April) is an annual campaign aimed at educating policymakers, legislators, influencers and the wider public about stalking. Its goal is simple but vital: to save lives through awareness.

Why stalking is often misunderstood?

Stalking is frequently misunderstood because it is imagined as something extreme, obvious or easy to identify. In reality, it often begins with repeated messages, unwanted contact, online monitoring, or behaviours that may seem small at first but become increasingly invasive over time.

As a result, many people do not recognise stalking in its early stages. This lack of awareness can delay action, leaving individuals feeling confused, minimised or unsure whether what they are experiencing is serious enough to seek help.

Addressing these misunderstandings matters because stalking is not rare. Research released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2024 found that in England and Wales, around 1.5 million people (3.2% of adults) experienced stalking in the year ending March 2024. Women were significantly more likely to be victims than men, and more than 40% of cases involved online methods.

By challenging common myths about stalking, we can help more people recognise the signs early and feel confident in seeking support.

What is stalking?

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, persistent and unwanted behaviour that causes fear, alarm or distress. It can take many forms, both online and offline.

It is important to understand that stalking is about patterns, not isolated incidents. A behaviour that may seem minor on its own can become intimidating and harmful when repeated over time.

Anyone can be a stalker, and anyone can be a victim; this includes a partner, family member, friends or strangers.

Recognising the signs of stalking

One of the biggest challenges with stalking is that many early signs are dismissed or misunderstood. Some key warning signs include:

Repeated contact after being asked to stop

Repeated calls, texts, emails or voicemails can be a form of stalking. What initially may appear as persistence can quickly become distressing when boundaries are ignored. If a person’s actions cause you to feel alarmed or fearful on two or more occasions it is stalking. Report it!

Excessive online monitoring

Repeatedly viewing stories, creating fake profiles, or tracking someone’s activity online can all be forms of stalking.

Unwanted gifts or messages

Receiving flowers, letters or deliveries might seem harmless, but when they are unwanted and repeated, they can feel intrusive and frightening.

Turning up unexpectedly

Seeing someone repeatedly in places you frequent, especially without explanation, can be a warning sign.

Behaviour that doesn’t feel right

Often, the earliest sign is a feeling of discomfort. Trusting that instinct is important. Keep a diary or log of any incidents.

These behaviours are often minimised, both by others and sometimes by those experiencing them, which is why awareness is so important.

Why early recognition matters

Recognising stalking early can help prevent escalation. Research shows that stalking can continue for extended periods, ranging from weeks to several years, with some cases lasting five years or more.

There is also a strong link between stalking and other forms of harm. Data shows that 81% of women stalked by a current or former partner also experienced physical violence.

The impact on victims can be severe:

91% report mental health difficulties
50% reduce or stop working
Many experience long-term fear and disruption to daily life

These figures highlight why early recognition is not just helpful – it can be critical for safety and wellbeing.

You are not alone

Stalking is often misunderstood because it can be subtle at first, but subtle does not mean harmless. Repeated unwanted behaviour, whether online or offline, deserves to be taken seriously.

The more people understand the signs, the sooner they can protect themselves or support someone else. If you or someone you know needs support, reaching out could be the first step toward staying safe and feeling less alone.

What action you should take if you believe you are being stalked?

The golden rules of stalking protection use the acronym REPORT – emphasis is on minimising contact with the stalker, proactively documenting the situation and seeking support.

Report it as early as possible, and if you are in immediate danger, call 999
Ensure you obtain professional advice
Proactive evidence collection
Overview of what is happening – keep a log or diary of dates, times and locations
Risk checklist – complete the Stalking Risk and Screening Checklist (SDASH) questions. You can do a self-check to assess the level of risk
Trust your instinct

Where to get support

If you think you are being stalked, you are not overreacting. Trust your instincts and speak to someone who can help. Support is available, and reaching out early can make a difference.

Support services include: