About Stalking

Learn everything you need to know about stalking.

What is Stalking?

Understand stalking better

There is no legal definition of Stalking, however it can be described as:

“Two or more behaviours directed towards a victim which cause, are intended to cause, or where the perpetrator’s behaviour is reckless as to whether it causes, the victim to suffer fear and alarm.”

‘Fear and alarm’ is physical or psychological harm. It is also fear for your safety.

You can access Police Scotland online Stalking Form to report an incident of stalking that has occurred within Scotland or self-refer for support here.

Where does stalking occur?

Stalking can occur both offline and online, or a combination of both. Online stalking, or cyber-stalking, includes actions such as:

•Contacting someone via social media or messaging apps
•Tracking social media activity
•Hacking into devices or accounts
•Accessing private information through phones or computers
•Sending unwanted messages, calls, or threats
•Sharing personal information or images without consent

Stalking can be criminal, non-criminal or a mixture of both and could be considered harmless in isolation – it is the course of conduct which is a crime

What does the law say?

Stalking is a criminal offence under Section 39 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Act (Scotland) 2010, covering a broad range of behaviours.

The Act states that:

“An offence occurs when a person engages in a course of conduct on at least two separate occasions, causing another person to feel fear or alarm, where the accused intended, or knew or ought to have known, their conduct would cause such fear.”

In other words, repeated and unwanted behaviour, even if not threatening, can still be stalking if it causes distress. Incidents that may seem harmless on their own can be viewed together as a ‘course of conduct’ that leads to fear or alarm.

Am I Being Stalked?

It can be difficult to know if you’re a target for anti-social behaviour, harassment or are being stalked by someone. Behaviours can vary from what appears trivial to the obviously serious.

Ask yourself these FOUR questions about the person’s behaviour:

Fixated?
Obsessive?
Unwanted?
Repeated?

If the behaviour of the other person appears fixated, obsessive, is unwanted and repeated, and is causing you fear and/or alarm then you may be the victim of stalking.

If you are a victim of stalking or know someone who is, Action Against Stalking can provide thoughcare support and also provide advice on reporting to the police.

Click here for advice on what to do when you’re being stalked.

I Think I'm Being Stalked

Do you or anyone you know experiences stalking? Get Help.

The Impact

Stalking can severely affect victims physically, psychologically, and emotionally, leaving lasting trauma. Some stalkers intend to cause this harm, while others are unaware of the distress they cause.

According to a Scottish Crime & Justice 2018 Survey, Victims often experience anxiety, fear, and powerlessness. Over time, this can lead to significant psychological and physical consequences, including:

94% made changes to their life or work
53% changed or left jobs
39% moved home
83% reported increased anxiety
75% felt powerless
55% said they suffered fatigue
55% had flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
74% had experienced disrupted sleep
24% had suicidal thoughts

Victims frequently feel helpless and experience chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. This can also lead to physical health issues such as disrupted sleep, headaches, fatigue, and poor concentration. Some may resort to unhealthy coping behaviours like smoking, substance abuse, or even self-harm.

Stalking can also have a significant financial impact. Victims may struggle with work performance, leading to job loss or career changes. They often invest in home security or may need to relocate to feel safe.

If you think you’re being stalked, you can contact us for free, confidential support at 0800 820 2427, support@actionagainststalking.org, or here:

I Need Your Help

Do you or anyone you know experiences stalking? Get Help.

Identifying Stalkers

Stalkers come from various backgrounds and motivations, often driven by obsession, rejection, or mental health issues. While some are aware of the harm they cause, others may not recognise the severity of their actions. There are many types of stalkers, these are:

Rejected Stalker

Stalking typically arises after the breakdown of an intimate relationship, although family members or others with whom the stalker once shared a close bond may also be targeted. The initial motivation of the rejected stalker is to either attempt to mend the broken relationship or to seek vengeance for what they perceive as rejection.

Resentful Stalker

Stalking arises when the stalker perceives mistreatment, humiliation, or injustice directed towards them. Their victims may be acquaintances or strangers. The initial motivation behind the resentful stalker’s actions is often a strong urge for revenge or a desire to ‘even the score’.

Intimacy Seeker

Stalking originates within a backdrop of loneliness and isolation with victims ranging from complete strangers to acquaintances. The primary drive of an intimacy seeking stalker is to forge an emotional bond and develop an intimate relationship with their target. Often, the behaviour of these individuals includes holding delusionals about the victim, such as the false belief that they are already engaged in a relationship, despite no such connection existing.

Incompetent Suitor

The Incompetent suitor stalks due to feelings of loneliness or lust and may target strangers or acquaintances. Unlike the Intimacy Seeker, their primary goal is not to forge a loving relationship, but rather to secure a date or engage in a short term sexual encounter.

Predatory Stalker

Predatory stalking arises within the realm of deviant sexual inclinations and interests. Typically the perpetrators are male and their victims are usually female strangers who become the subject of the stalker’s sexual fixation.

Stalkers often claim various justifications for their behaviour, such as feeling wronged, unable to accept a breakup, wanting to start a relationship with someone uninterested, or being a sexual predator. Some may have a serious mental disorder or manipulate others into assisting them.

At the core of stalking is the mistaken belief that one person can force another to listen, pay attention, or comply with their wishes.

While some stalkers know their actions are criminal, they fail to consider the consequences, while others believe they have a valid reason. However, regardless of their justification, if the behaviour is repeated, unwanted, and causes fear or alarm, it is likely a serious criminal offence with severe consequences.

The law and society make it clear: there is no justification for stalking, and it is an unacceptable way to interact with others.