One in seven people aged 16 years and over have been a victim of stalking, according to figures reported by Wales Online. The statistics suggest that approximately 14.4% of individuals in this age group have experienced stalking at least once in their lives.
The data, collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in their most recent crime survey of England and Wales up to March 2024, reveals some key insights into stalking:
Overall, around 14.4% of people aged 16 and over are likely to have been victims of stalking at some point. This includes 5.2% who have been stalked by a partner or ex-partner, and 2.2% who have been stalked by a family member.
While 3.2% of individuals aged 16 and over reported experiencing stalking in the past 12 months, indicating a slight decrease from the previous year, the long-term trend has been relatively stable over the last decade.
Despite the consistent prevalence of stalking, the number of police-recorded stalking offences has increased significantly. The ONS attributes this rise to improvements in police recording practices, changes to counting rules, and greater willingness among victims to come forward.
Women are more likely to be victims of stalking than men, with around 20.2% of women and 8.7% of men in England and Wales having experienced stalking since the age of 16. In the year to March 2024, 4.0% of women and 2.3% of men reported incidents of stalking.
Age also plays a significant role in stalking victimization, with younger individuals being more susceptible. For instance, 8.8% of 16-19 year-olds experienced stalking in the past year, compared to 0.8% of those aged 75 and over.
Moreover, ethnicity appears to influence stalking experiences, as black individuals have higher rates of stalking victimization compared to other ethnic groups. In the year ending March 2024, 4.6% of black people aged 16 and over were victims of stalking, followed by white (3.2%), Asian (2.8%), and mixed (2.5%) groups.
These statistics shed light on the prevalence and characteristics of stalking in England and Wales, highlighting the need for continued awareness, support, and prevention efforts to address this concerning issue.