Our latest campaign puts stalking in focus, reminding people of the severe harm caused by stalking.
The campaign includes audio adverts being shared across the region throughout April 2024, reflecting comments and feedback from victims of stalking who describe the ‘ever-present’ fear and relentless impact that stalking has on their day-to-day lives.
We’ve also included some social media cards you can use at the bottom of this page.
Stalking happens when someone experiences a pattern of repeated and persistent unwanted behaviour against them. It became a criminal offence in 2012 when amendments were made to the Protection from Harassment Act to make stalking a specific offence in England and Wales for the first time.
Stalking is very serious, and it ruins lives. But it is not always easy to recognise because the way in which stalking is carried out can vary widely. Anyone can be a victim of stalking. Though most people know their stalker in some way, some people don’t or may have only had a brief encounter with them. It can build up slowly over time or happen quite suddenly. Sometimes the perpetrator will make overt threats, and sometimes they don’t.
But whatever the behaviour, when it is unwanted and persistent it constitutes stalking and it has real, long-lasting harm for victims.
The West Midlands Stalking Support Service supports women and men over 16 who are experiencing stalking and harassment.
It is run by Black Country Women’s Aid, an independent charity which has supported survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in the West Midlands for 30 years. The Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner have supported Black Country Women’s Aid in providing the West Midlands Stalking Support Service since 2019.