Over 100 students engage with Stalking Awareness Week event

A joint event hosted by our Community Safety team, the Metropolitan Police, and St Mary’s University on Tuesday 29 April attracted over 100 students and staff. It helped raise awareness of stalking and personal safety following National Stalking Awareness Week.

The event, held on St Mary’s campus, gave students and university staff the opportunity to speak directly with professionals, learn how to spot the signs of stalking, and access support services. Over 110 people engaged in conversations with the team to discuss stalking as well as other related safety concerns such as spiking and online safety.

Stalking is defined as a pattern of persistent, unwanted behaviour that causes distress or fear. It can affect anyone with 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men in England and Wales reporting experiences of stalking or harassment during their lifetime.

The session focused on helping attendees recognise the signs of stalking and understand when certain behaviours might cross the line into harmful actions. Staff also encouraged young people to consider their personal safety both online and in person.

We continue to work in partnership with local organisations and the police to prevent stalking and support survivors. Anyone concerned about stalking or harassment is encouraged to reach out for support through the National Stalking Helpline or local services.