Stalking Offences Reach Record Highs in England and Wales
Disturbing new data reveals that stalking offences recorded by police in England and Wales have surged dramatically over the past decade, with sharp increases observed in every region. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has reported that the number of cases charged has climbed to its highest level on record, highlighting a growing public safety concern.
However, these statistics only tell part of the story. Stalking is not merely a single incident but a persistent pattern of behaviour that can leave victims living in constant fear, fundamentally reshaping every aspect of their daily lives. For a deeper understanding, we examine the factors driving this rise, the demographics most affected, and whether the criminal justice system is adequately equipped to handle these cases.
Understanding the Sharp Increase in Stalking Cases
So, what explains the sharp increase in recorded stalking offences? According to experts, two primary factors are at play. Firstly, there is better awareness among the public and law enforcement, leading to more recognition of behaviours such as coercive control. This heightened awareness has resulted in increased reporting and, in some instances, improved investigation and prosecution efforts.
Secondly, technology plays a significant role. As more aspects of our lives move online, perpetrators have gained more tools to track and monitor victims. This includes the use of hidden devices like trackers in cars or linked to phones without consent. Recent cases reported by domestic abuse charities detail perpetrators exploiting smartwatches, fitness trackers, shared cloud accounts, and smart home devices to control and intimidate victims remotely.
There are also growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools, such as impersonating victims through spoofed audio or video and generating fake documents designed to manipulate. As one expert notes, "It's not just that we're recording it better – it may also be happening more."
Demographics and Impact on Victims
While anyone can be a victim of stalking, the pattern is clear: it overwhelmingly affects women and girls, with men as the primary perpetrators. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that one in five women and around one in 11 men aged 16 and over have experienced stalking.
In most cases, the perpetrator is not a stranger but someone already in the victim's life, often an ex-partner. This reflects wider patterns seen in domestic abuse, particularly after relationships end. The impact on victims can be all-consuming, affecting their safety at home and work, forcing some to uproot their lives entirely, including moving houses and disrupting finances.
Stalking can be relentless, with cases stretching over months or even years, as seen in high-profile instances like that of former BBC broadcaster Emily Maitlis, who endured harassment for over three decades. Research indicates that stalking can escalate to serious violence or homicide, especially when linked to coercive control.
Is the Criminal Justice System Keeping Pace?
There are signs that the criminal justice system is beginning to respond, with increased charging rates and the CPS launching an action plan focused on stalking. However, challenges persist. Campaigners argue that tech companies have been too slow to design products with abuse in mind, often treating safety as an afterthought.
Victims report persistent issues in how stalking cases are handled, including misidentification by police, poor communication, lack of consistent support, and slow case progression. A 2024 study by the Independent Office for Police Conduct found that victims are often left to gather evidence themselves, allowing behaviours to escalate.
Campaigners advocate for earlier intervention, with proposals like emergency stalking protection notices to enable quicker police action. The upcoming National Stalking Awareness Week, led by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, will highlight the links between stalking and more serious violence, emphasising the need for risk identification sooner. As one expert summarises, "There's definitely progress, but there's still a long way to go."
