Stalking as a public health issue in Scotland

National Stalking Awareness Week 2025, from 21-25 April, will focus on healthcare professionals spotting the signs of stalking.

Stalking is a criminal offence in Scotland under Section 39 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Act (Scotland) 2010. The Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2019/20 found that stalking affects 11.8% of adults in Scotland, with victims often feeling powerless, anxious, changing their routines and having suicidal ideations (just to name a few).

Stalking leaves victims with long-lasting psychological impacts that can manifest as physical symptoms. These include migraines, weight loss, weight gain, insomnia, hair loss, etc. The root cause of these feelings must be understood and addressed to ensure both physical and psychological effects are reduced for victims.

This year’s National Stalking Awareness Week 2025 (NSAW), taking place from 21st-25th April, 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 organisations who wish to learn more about stalking, its impacts and tips on working with survivors.

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 wellbeing.

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

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