Karen Fullerton-Chalmers, Prevention and Community Engagement Manager at Action Against Stalking explains how to identify stalking behaviours and the resources and support available.
Introducing Action Against Stalking
Action Against Stalking (AAS) is Scotland's only charity dedicated exclusively to victims of stalking. AAS was founded by stalking victim-survivor Dr Ann Moulds CBE in 2014 following her successful campaign to get stalking recognised as a standalone offence in Scotland.
We now provide a unique throughcare service for victims of stalking, including a young person service, which is due to launch in April 2025. We also deliver advocacy, campaigning, expert advice, accredited training and a range of other activities to support victims and those working to challenge stalking behaviour. We have a podcast, Surviving Stalking, where we interview victim-survivors, researchers and those working in the sector.
What is Stalking?
Stalking behaviours can often be identified by certain characteristics. A key question to ask is, are the actions of the person:
· Fixated
· Obsessive
· Unwanted
· Repeated.
Stalking behaviours can be physical, online or both. Some common stalking behaviours are:
· Sending unwanted letters or cards.
· Sending unwanted emails, text messages or posts on social media sites.
· Making unwanted phone calls.
· Delivering unwanted gifts to a workplace or home.
· Waiting outside someone’s home or workplace.
· Following someone or spying on them.
· Sharing intimate pictures of them without their consent, for example by text, on a website, or on a social media site.
· Posting information publicly about someone, making public accusations or contacting someone’s employer.
· Making threats.
You can learn more about recognising stalking behaviours on our website – www.actionagainststalking.org
The Impacts of Stalking
Stalking can leave victims with long-lasting psychological, physical and financial impacts. The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2019/20 asked people who had been stalked what impact it had on them:
· 94% said they made changes to their life or work patterns.
· 53% said they changed or left jobs.
· 39% said they moved home.
· 83% reported increased anxiety.
· 75% felt powerless.
· 74% had experienced disrupted sleep.
· 55% said they suffered fatigue.
· 55% had flashbacks and intrusive thoughts.
· 24% had suicidal thoughts.
We have free, downloadable leaflets on our website if you want to learn more about AAS, understand what stalking is, how to support someone who is being stalked and tips if you are being stalked.
You can learn more about our work by visiting our website – www.actionagainststalking.org
You can also keep up-to-date by signing up to our quarterly newsletter or by following AAS across social media, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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