Stalking is often defined as: “A pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim.” This equates to four million women and two million men. It is common for the perpetrator to be someone the victim already knows, such as a former partner or even a family member.Īccording to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, almost one in five women over the age of 16 have experienced stalking, and one in ten men. Stalking has no status or class boundaries – anyone can be a victim.

While these celebrity cases might often make the news, many victims stories are never told. When most people think about stalking, they can probably recall a high-profile stalking case involving a celebrity that has hit the headlines. With figures revealing that around half of known convicted stalkers reoffend, more must be done to prevent people from becoming victims of this devastating crime in the future. The Trust has said that every single stalking case it dealt with this year included some form of digital interaction. It also seems that online stalking is on the rise. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust stated that it has seen a change in stalking patterns since the pandemic hit – with perpetrators ramping up the frequency and intensity of some forms of harassment. In the last year, charities have reported a sharp rise in stalking related offences. It can cause lasting emotional distress, leaving victims feeling vulnerable in their own home and community. The impact of stalking should never be underestimated.

Targeted intervention work is one of the most effective ways to end a stalker’s likelihood to carry out further campaigns of fear, harassment and intimidation.Ĭarl Hall, the Deputy Director of Community Services at Interventions Alliance, explores some of the ways stalkers carry out their crimes and why a more proactive approach is needed to confront such destructive actions.

Treatment programs for stalkers