Joining Forces for National Stalking Awareness Week
Hundreds of people report being victims of stalking each year in Scotland.
Police Scotland recorded 661 stalking offences between April and December 2023, up from 613 in the same period the year before, with detection rates of 79% and 83% respectively.
According to the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (2019/20), over a quarter of women aged 16 to 24 reported experiencing at least one form of stalking and harassment.
National Stalking Awareness Week this year focuses on the theme of ‘joining forces’ and the importance of partnership in supporting victims of stalking and harassment.
Detective Inspector Iain Renfrew from Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit (DACU) recently spoke to Action Against Stalking (AAS) about what happens when someone decides to report they are being stalked or harassed.
You can listen to the full AAS podcast here .
DI Renfrew explained our approach to training and the service Police Scotland provides from response policing through to specialists in divisions and nationally.
Detective Superintendent Gillian Faulds, lead for domestic abuse and stalking and harassment, Police Scotland, said: “The impact of stalking and harassment on victims can’t be underestimated. As well as causing fear and alarm, it impacts on how they live their lives, how safe they feel, how they act and how they react.
“Every stalking situation is unique but most stalkers demonstrate FOUR distinct types of behaviours: fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated.
“Victims can be subjected to unwanted calls, texts or messages. It can include hacking into devices and installing tracking apps, taking control of someone’s social media profile or sharing or threatening to share photos, videos or personal information.
“When people feel able to report to us, we will listen.
“Information people share with us is vital in helping us put together that jigsaw of incidents and behaviours that taken together allows us to evidence stalking.
“Action Against Stalking advises keeping a log of incidents, and this can be very helpful for our investigations.
“We will assess the risk, put in place a safety plan and work with partners to ensure support is available.
“National Stalking Awareness Week is a reminder to us all of the impact of stalking and harassment and the importance of partnership in tackling this insidious abuse.”
If you or anyone you know is a victim of stalking and harassment then please contact Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online, or via a third party like Action Against Stalking.
Further information is also available on our website.
