What is Stalking?
This page aims to provide clear information about the different types of behaviour that can be recognised as stalking.
If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing any of the behaviours or examples on this page, you can contact us for advice via email: support@safersteps.uk
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
What is stalking?
Stalking is defined by national stalking charity, Suzy Lamplugh Trust 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.’
Stalking is a criminal offence and can have serious impacts to a person’s physical and/or mental health, their social life and their employment.
Stalking can occur both in person or through the use of technology, known as cyberstalking.
Stalking can often occur within a domestic abuse setting, particularly when someone tries to leave an abusive relationship.
Examples of Stalking Behaviours:
Unwanted contact:
- Constant texts, calls, emails, or social media messages (including from fake profiles).
- Sending unwanted gifts or items.
- Contacting friends, family, or employers to get to the victim.
Following and monitoring:
- Showing up at the victim’s home, workplace, or other frequent locations.
- Waiting nearby or watching from a distance.
- Monitoring online activity, accounts, or using spyware.
Intrusive actions:
- Interfering with property (e.g., keying a car, damaging belongings).
- Spreading rumours or posting false information online.
- Hacking accounts or impersonating the victim online.
Threats and intimidation:
- Explicit or implicit threats of harm to the victim-survivor, family, pets, or property.
- Blackmail or threatening to share private information.
How do I know if I’m being stalked?
It can sometimes be tricky to identify if the behaviour you are experiencing is stalking. There are four key questions to ask yourself about the perpetrator’s behaviour towards you. Is the behaviour…
- Fixated?
- Obsessive?
- Unwanted?
- Repeated?
There is a variety of information online available to help identify if you are experiencing stalking. Visit the Resources page to learn more.
Who can experience stalking?
- Anyone can experience stalking, just as anyone can be a stalker.
- According to the Office for National Statistics, one in seven people aged 16 years and over in England and Wales has been a victim of stalking at least once, with women and younger people the most commonly affected.
- In West Yorkshire, over 9,000 stalking crimes were reported in 2024.
What is the impact of stalking?
- All forms of stalking can be extremely frightening. Victim-survivors often feel unsafe even in their own homes and may be forced to change their daily routines and behaviour to protect themselves.
- The impacts of stalking can be severe and long-lasting. Victim-survivors may experience mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Stalking can also negatively affect the individual’s work, education and social life.