Stalking is detrimental to children’s and parents’ mental and physical health. That’s why we are joining voices across the county this National Stalking Awareness Week.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes you to feel distressed, scared or anxious. It can happen in person or online, and is a significant issue in our society. Bedfordshire Police have made 187 arrests in relation to stalking incidents in the first quarter of this year. These numbers represent real people in our community who are living in fear. At Home-Start, we see firsthand how this trauma ripples through families. This includes when stalking is used as a tool of coercive control in cases of domestic abuse.
“…I was being stalked where I previously lived which led to the stalker breaking in to my home. He was actually hiding in my cupboard when I came home one day and jumped out in an attempt to attack me. I was 4/5 months pregnant. I managed to run away with my son without being physically hurt. However the mental effects remain with me.”
Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted, and Repeated (FOUR) describes the warning signs of stalking behaviour. If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, call 101 or report to the police online. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.