Fixated. Obsessed. Unwanted. Repeated: Know what stalking looks like

For every person who reports stalking, there are hundreds of missed chances to intervene. As National Stalking Awareness Week (NSAW 22–25 April 2025) begins across the UK, Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones is leading efforts in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to help victims come forward sooner, and to help families, friends, and frontline professionals recognise the often hidden or ignored warning signs.

This year’s theme, ‘Health Response: Spotting Stalking’, calls for a whole-system approach recognising that stalking is not only a crime but a public health issue.

PCC Donna Jones said: “As a former magistrate and now as Police and Crime Commissioner, I’ve listened to countless victims describe the slow creep of stalking. It often starts with confusion with victims questioning themselves, ‘Am I overreacting?’ and ends with fear, isolation and exhaustion.

“I’ve heard from victims who changed jobs, moved house, deleted every social media account, upended their whole life trying to be invisible, only to be found again. Stalking breaks people down. It’s the slow erosion of someone’s entire sense of safety.

“What makes it harder is that stalking often hides in plain sight. Victims rarely call it stalking at first and it can be physical or just online. That’s why training for all agencies matters, not just for police but also for doctors, nurses, and therapists. Friends and family can also help a loved one seek help.”

DCI Abbie Leeson, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, said: “Stalking is a serious and distressing crime that can escalate and, in some cases, lead to serious harm. It often has a profound and lasting impact on victims’ lives.

“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is committed to continually improving our response, with updated training for officers and staff that focuses on identifying stalking behaviours early, understanding the impact on victims, and making full use of our powers to investigate and protect, including increased use of Stalking Protection Orders.

“Our multi-agency approach, working closely with partners in health, advocacy and the criminal justice system is key to achieving the best outcomes.

“If you, or someone you know, has experienced or is experiencing what you feel is stalking or harassment you can report it to us. We understand it can be difficult to tell us about what’s happened, but we want to hear from you. Before you report, you don’t need to gather ‘evidence’ about what’s been happening, like text messages, videos or photos. Anything you’ve got like that can be useful to us, but don’t delay reporting to get it. Your information could help us bring the offender to justice and make sure you, and other people in a similar situation, are kept safe.”

A regional model of excellence

In September 2024, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner were recognised as leading the way in response to stalking in a national super-complaint report published by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The region’s approach was singled out for its innovative leadership, multi-agency coordination and strategic investment in both victim support and perpetrator-focused services.

Building on this work, in March this year the Commissioner bought together health professionals, the police, prison services, charities and frontline services at a multi-agency stalking conference to ensure all sectors recognise the signs of stalking early. Over 100 professionals attended the event in February which explored the complexity of the crime, how to spot it and how to safely intervene.

PCC Donna Jones concluded: “In 2024 I funded the Stalking Advocacy Support Service to give people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight confidential support, legal advice, and safety planning. It’s clear too many victims still suffer in silence but support is available.”

What does stalking look like?

Stalking always follows the same pattern – the FOUR:

• Fixated
• Obsessed
• Unwanted
• Repeated

It may not begin with threats. It might be constant messages. ‘Coincidental’ appearances. Gifts. Emails. Monitoring your movements. Often from someone the victim once knew — an ex-partner, a colleague, a former friend.

It isn’t romantic. It isn’t harmless.

Where to get help

👉 https://stopdomesticabuse.uk/stalking
📞 0330 0533 630
📧 info@stopdomesticabuse.uk
📮 Stop Domestic Abuse, PO Box 53, Havant, PO9 1UA

You can report this in different ways.

Is it an emergency? Is someone in immediate danger? Is a crime taking place or has one just happened? If so, call 999 now and ask for the police.

 What can the police do?

Police have a range of powers that can be used to restrain perpetrators and protect victims, which includes Stalking Protection Orders (SPO). This type of order applied for in the Court. Conditions which can be granted include restrictions on the perpetrator, preventing them going places or making contact, recording images or referencing their victim on social media.  They can also require the perpetrator to do certain actions, such as attend a stalking intervention, drug or alcohol programme, sign on at a police station or provide police with access to their phones and social media accounts.

SPOs last for a minimum of two years.  If the perpetrator breaches the protection order without good reason, this is a criminal offence which will be investigated thoroughly.