Scotland’s only dedicated anti-stalking charity, Action Against Stalking, has urged health boards across the country to introduce robust NHS anti-stalking policies to better protect staff, patients, volunteers, and visitors. The call comes amid growing concern that stalking is being overlooked as a standalone crime within healthcare settings.
According to the charity’s new report, released to mark National Stalking Awareness Week, none of Scotland’s 14 regional health boards currently have a specific policy in place to deal with stalking incidents, either involving NHS staff or patients.
Current procedures rely on broader policies covering harassment, bullying, or workplace violence, which, according to campaigners, falsely imply that stalking must involve overt aggression. The charity warns this approach ignores the complex and long-lasting psychological, physical, and financial harm caused by stalking.
Urgent Call for Targeted Stalking Protections in NHS Scotland
Hayley Tennant, CEO of Action Against Stalking, said the research findings were a catalyst for renewed campaigning:
“Policymakers must realise stalking is more common, more harmful, and more complex than assumed. It deserves its own policy response—not a footnote in unrelated procedures,” she said.
The charity has issued a formal appeal to NHS Chief People Officers, HR Directors, and Executive Directorates to consult with Action Against Stalking and implement structured anti-stalking frameworks, including clear referral pathways and staff training initiatives.
Stalking Recognised as a Public Health Issue
Stalking behaviours may include repeated unwanted contact, surveillance, threats, or online harassment. In Scotland, stalking is defined by a pattern of conduct that causes fear or alarm.
Research from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (2018–2020) shows 12% of adults experience stalking annually, with 83% reporting increased anxiety and 24% admitting to suicidal thoughts. A 2024 survey by Action Against Stalking further revealed that 100% of clients felt emotionally affected, with 13% saying stalking had taken over their lives.
Healthcare Professionals Urged to Recognise the Signs
Despite the severe impact stalking has on victims, there is currently no national NHS protocol guiding healthcare staff on how to identify or respond to disclosures. Action Against Stalking argues that treating stalking as a public health concern is essential to ensure that victims do not go unnoticed or unsupported.
The charity recommends specialist training for NHS domestic abuse champions and the creation of secure referral pathways for patients through community link workers. These routes would connect victims directly with the charity’s Throughcare Support Service.
Early Engagement With Health Boards Underway
All 14 health boards received the charity’s report and recommendations earlier this month. A spokesperson for Action Against Stalking confirmed to healthandcare.scot that initial discussions with several boards are already in progress.
The charity has committed to supporting any health board seeking to develop anti-stalking protocols, provide staff training, or establish formal links to their national support network.
