This blog post is part of a series of posts written by specialist support staff from the University of Bath’s Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS), as part of the UN's yearly 16 Days of Activism Campaign working to end gender-based violence.
Stalking can take many forms and is a serious issue that can affect anyone. When we think about stalking, it’s easy to picture the sensationalised image often portrayed in the media - a stranger lurking in the shadows. While this type of offender does exist, statistics show that harm is more likely to be perpetrated by someone known to the victim. In fact, the latest crime survey highlights that over 80% of stalking victims knew their stalker in some capacity (Office of National Statistics, 2025).
By raising awareness, we can challenge common myths about stalking and ensure you feel informed about where to get help - whether for yourself or for a friend.
What is stalking?
Suzy Lamplugh Trust defines stalking 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.’ A useful way to remember the checklist is that there are FOUR key elements of stalking, the behaviour is:
Fixated
Obsessive
Unwanted and
Repeated
Our culture often normalises, minimises, and even romanticises these behaviours. We’re taught to believe that refusing to take “no” for an answer is romantic, or that constant calls and messages mean someone truly cares. Stalking is not a sign of love; it can be a warning sign for even more dangerous behaviour in the future.
Stalking behaviours can include:
- Unwanted contact (including sending unwanted gifts, flowers, cards)
- Excessive attempts at contact (including phone calls, texts, emails, letters or messages online)
- Following someone (including repeated “accidental” encounters or going to their house uninvited)
- Monitoring someone – both online & offline (e.g. repeatedly liking or commenting on social media, creating fake accounts to view posts, frequently passing their home)
- Malicious communication – both online & offline (e.g. sending threatening or intimidating messages, posting harmful or damaging comments about the person online or in WhatsApp groups)
- Tracking someone’s location (e.g. using Snap Maps or putting an Airtag on someone to track them)
- Watching or spying on someone (e.g. waiting for them & watching them outside of lectures or their house)
Why it can be hard to spot the signs
It can be hard to recognise these behaviours as abuse, especially when taken in isolation. We may play it down or not want to appear to be making something out of nothing. If you feel distressed, scared or worried, those feelings are valid. If the person stalking is personally connected to you (e.g. a partner, ex-partner, family member) then this behaviour could be a form of coercive control, and feed into a broader picture of domestic abuse.
If you’re still not sure if what you’re experiencing counts as stalking, you can use this online tool to check against a list of common behaviours.
However, even if you’re not sure, if you notice any of the behaviours described above it’s very important to take them seriously and talk to someone for support.
What is the impact of stalking?
Stalking can have severe and long-term effects on someone’s mental and physical health, including causing hypervigilance and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Stalking can undermine a person’s sense of safety, security and freedom; it can consume every aspect of life. Someone experiencing stalking behaviours may feel exhaustion, anxiety, confusion and self-doubt. They may also experience feels of guilt or embarrassment, even though the perpetrator’s behaviour is not their fault.
For many survivors, seeking support can be crucial for reducing the risk of escalating behaviours and to help to regain a sense of control.
Practical actions you can take if you or someone you know is being stalked
- Report the incident to the police
- Report the incident anonymously on the Crimestoppers website if you do not feel ready to make a formal report yet
- Keep a written log or diary of all incidents and share these concerns with someone close to you
- Keep any evidence such as text messages, screenshots of fake accounts and unwanted gifts
- Change your routes & vary your routines - don’t always buy a coffee from the same cafes at the same time
- Be cybersecure! Check your passwords, check your privacy settings, and check your digital footprint
- Trust your instincts and reach out for support (see below). If something feels wrong, speak to someone to get help and advice.
What support is available?
If you have experienced any stalking behaviours, it is important to remember that you are not alone and support is available.
Whether you’re a student or member of staff, everyone deserves to live a life free from fear and abuse.
If you are a student, the Student Support team at the University of Bath can help. You can speak to our Student Support Advisers at the Roper Centre, 4 West or by completing this form. They may refer you to the Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS), who provide specialist support and advice on reporting if you have experienced sexual harassment or violence through digital technology or another Student Support team, depending on your needs.
Students and staff can also report an incident, and access support and advice, through the University’s Support and Report tool.
If you are a staff member, you can get further support by contacting your HR Advisor. Health Assured also provides staff members with free, confidential counselling and wellbeing advice.
Together, we can break the silence. Stalking is #NEVEROK
Other specialist services available across the UK are:
Paladin, the National Stalking Advocacy Service
Respond
