Stalking is a distressing and alarming crime that affects a significant portion of the population. Recent data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales indicates that one in seven individuals aged 16 or over has fallen victim to stalking at least once. This issue is particularly pronounced among women, with an estimated one in five having experienced stalking, compared to one in 11 men in the same age group.
The county of Gloucestershire presents an intriguing case study in the prevalence of stalking. Gloucester stands out with 2,208 reported stalking and harassment crimes, equating to a crime rate of 17 per 1,000 people. This corresponds to an unsettling statistic of approximately one in 60 individuals having been stalked or harassed in the past year alone. In contrast, the Cotswolds, ranked 192nd, recorded 700 stalking and harassment crimes, translating to a crime rate of 8 per 1,000 people and an equivalent prevalence of one in 130 people being stalked or harassed in the past year.
Stalking, as defined by the survey, encompasses two or more incidents leading to distress, fear, or alarm. This includes receiving threatening or obscene messages, being followed or watched, or having threatening information published about oneself. The data also reveals that younger individuals, especially women and girls aged 16 to 19, are at a higher risk of being targeted. Within this demographic, one in 10 women and girls and one in 15 men have experienced stalking within the past year.
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In the year ending September 2024, police recorded over 600,000 stalking and harassment crimes. However, it is likely that numerous cases have gone unreported. Notably, the city of Bradford emerged as the area with the highest rate of stalking, with 22 crimes per 1,000 residents, followed closely by Kingston-upon-Hull, North East Lincolnshire, Blaenau Gwent, Blackpool, Calderdale, and Wakefield.
The prevalence of stalking also demonstrates a regional disparity, with the majority of the top-ranking areas concentrated in the north of England. During National Stalking Awareness Week, attention is drawn to the severe impact of stalking on individuals' lives, as highlighted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Research indicates that 95% of stalking victims report a significant impact on their mental and psychological well-being, with 78% showing symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Amid these concerning statistics, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is advocating for increased training and resources for healthcare professionals to identify and support stalking victims effectively. The organization’s “Health Response: Spotting Stalking” campaign aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers about available specialist stalking services. The National Stalking Consortium, comprising the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, is urging the government to allocate additional funding to enhance support for stalking victims and develop a comprehensive response to stalking across different sectors.
Suky Bhaker, CEO of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, emphasized the critical need for resources to enable healthcare professionals to address stalking effectively. Daniel W. Price-Jones, Lead Consultant Forensic Psychologist at Cheshire Constabulary’s Harm Reduction Unit, stressed the pervasive and long-lasting impact of stalking on victims, underlining the crucial role of healthcare professionals in early intervention and support.