Stalking Awareness

17 April 2013

Members of Ross-shire women’s aid will be raising awareness about stalking on Saturday (20th) in Dingwall, Alness,  Tain & Portree.

Stalking affects 1 in 10 each year and can have a horrendous impact on those who experience it. Stalking can consist of any type of behaviour such as regularly sending flowers or gifts, making unwanted or malicious communication, damaging property and physical or sexual assault. If the behaviour is persistent, unwanted causes fear, harassment or anxiety then it is stalking.’

In the last year Ross-shire Women’s Aid have worked with a number of women who have experienced this behaviour from ex-partners & strangers.  Heather Williams, manager at Ross-shire Women’s Aid said ‘ we are holding this day of awareness to coincide with national stalking awareness day.  Stalking is an insidious crime which can be best described as a campaign of terror and harassment waged against an individual often by an ex-partner but sometimes by a stranger. Those experiencing stalking can have difficulty naming what it is they are experiencing with 77% of victims enduring more than 100 incidents before reporting to the police. We are hoping by raising awareness of this that more people will feel confident about speaking out and asking for help.’

Two short videos have been developed as part of national stalking awareness day to help set out the realities of stalking a gift too far and I’ll take care of you.

http://youtu.be/879X9hTnNzs

http://youtu.be/MuDeUCCTN3U

For those experiencing stalking it can sometimes be difficult to explain what is happening to the police and to others. Keeping a log of what is going on can be helpful  a new victims impact box is available from rape crisis Scotland this provides information and advice to those experiencing stalking. http://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/contactus/

 


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