National Stalking Awareness Week is the 21st to the 27th April 2025. Ahead of this, the Student Welfare and Security teams are holding stalls in the Business School on Monday 7th April and the Brooks Building on Thursday 10th April. Members of staff from both teams will be there to talk about personal safety and specialist support services available at MMU.
Stalking is defined by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust as 'a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim'. Stalking does not have to be violent; it can be any persistent and unwanted behaviour making someone uncomfortable or distressed. It can take occur over a few months or for many decades.
The media often portrays stalking as an individual being followed by a stranger late at night, which does happen. However, the methods used by a stalker and their relationship to their victim can be varied. Stalking can take place in person, online (such as harassing messages or humiliation on social media), or a combination of both. Furthermore, many victims know their stalker, with the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimating 28% being domestic stalkers (partners, ex-partners or family members).
Anyone can be stalked, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation etc. The CSEW estimates 1.5 million people were stalked in England & Wales in the year ending March 2024. It shows younger people (aged 16-19), and women are more likely to be victims of stalking compared to other demographics.
The impact of being stalked on an individual can be severe and long-lasting. Victims often report increased anxiety and exhaustion from being alert, as well as feeling a loss of freedom and trust in others. It can lead to or exacerbate mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and other psychological harm.
There is support available from the University and external organisations.
- If you are at immediate risk call 999. If it is not an emergency but you need support from campus security call 0161 247 2222 or use the SafeZone App.
- Report and Support is a disclosure site, which allow students to inform the University of incidents including stalking. You can report anonymously, or you can request to speak to an advisor who is a trained member of the Student Welfare team to discuss your disclosure and options, this will be in line with University's privacy statement and does not instigate the start of formal complaint.
- Our Counselling, Mental Health, and Wellbeing Service is also available for students in need of support with their mental health or wellbeing.
- The Suzy Lamplugh Trust offers help and advice around stalking, including running the National Stalking Helpline (0808 802 0300). They also run free, 30 minute Stand Up Against Harassment training courses.