IDAS urges South Yorkshire residents to recognise the signs of stalking
Independent Domestic Abuse Service warn signs of stalking, and where victims in South Yorkshire can get help ahead of Stalking Awareness Week
Stalking Awareness Week runs from April 21st to 25th, and South Yorkshire charity, Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) is calling on people to better understand the signs of stalking- and know where to turn for help.
The charity says stalking is far more common than many may realise, and it's often carried out by someone the victim already knows. That includes partners or ex-partners, friends, or acquaintances.
76% of women who were murdered had reported stalking in the year leading up to their death- a figure that rises to 85% when the perpetrator was a current or former partner.
Stalking can take many different forms, including unwanted gifts, persistent messaging, unexpected appearances, loitering, or online monitoring.
It's typically defined as fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour.
IDAS is hosting a series of online webinars throughout the week, offering advice on how to recognise stalking behaviours, understand the impact, and learn how to access specialist support.
Carmel Offord, Engagement Manager at IDAS, says it's important to highlight the prevalence of domestic stalking:
"A lot of people see stalking as a shadowy figure following somebody around, actually in the majority of cases it's somebody that's known to them. It can often be an intimate partner or an ex partner."
Victims are encouraged to keep a diary of incidents, take screenshots or photos if safe to do so, report any concerns, and reach out to specialist services for support.