Stalking as a Public Health Issue in Scotland

Karen Fullerton from Action Against Stalking updates Edinburgh Advice Network on the campaign for this year's National Stalking Awareness Week. Whilst the campaign is directed towards healthcare professionals, she explains how the message is just as important for other professionals including advice workers.

'This year’s National Stalking Awareness Week 2025 (NSAW) is taking place from 21st-25th April, and focuses on healthcare professionals spotting the signs of stalking. Stalking is a public health issue so healthcare professionals must be equipped with the knowledge to spot the signs of stalking, including 'Recognise, Respond and Refer' to ensure patients are supported at the right time and by the right people.

At Action Against Stalking, we have developed resources to equip healthcare professionals with this vital information. A key question to ask is ‘Do you know someone experiencing unwanted and repeated behaviours causing them fear and alarm?’ then they may be experiencing stalking. We also have CPD-accredited training which we provide to all organisations who wish to learn more about stalking, its impacts and tips on working with victim-survivors.

Our website has key messages and resources, including flyers which your organisation can download and share: https://www.actionagainststalking.org/campaigns

Please help us spread the message by ‘tagging’ us in any social media posts so that we can share the message. You can also follow us across social media to get involved in the campaign.

As part of NSAW 2025, we have some exciting new projects underway including the launch of a report exploring anti-stalking policy across NHS Scotland Boards. If your organisation wishes to get involved, then please get in touch at enquiries@actionagainststalking.org

Who is Action Against Stalking:

Stalking is a serious crime with devastating effects, yet it often goes unrecognised. Action Against Stalking is Scotland’s only dedicated anti-stalking charity, committed to supporting and empowering victims and raising awareness.

Our Throughcare Support Service offers free, confidential, and professional support to those affected by stalking, ensuring they are heard, validated, and guided through their journey. For complex cases, we also provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help victims rebuild their confidence and well-being.

We hope to build safe referral pathways for victims of stalking so if you are working with someone experiencing stalking then please get in touch:

📞 Phone: 0800 820 2427

📧 Email: support@actionagainststalking.org

🌐 Referral Form: www.actionagainststalking.org/referral

For general enquiries, contact enquiries@actionagainststalking.org

If you wish to learn more about our campaign and our charity's work, please visit: https://www.actionagainststalking.org/campaigns