“Not What I Would Have Pictured Stalking to be or Look Like”: Awareness of Stalking and Views on Stalking Education Among Young People in Wales

Young people represent the highest risk group for stalking in England and Wales, yet research on young people’s stalking behaviours and perceptions is scarce. The research available about young people’s baseline comprehension of stalking suggests widespread misunderstandings and views that could minimise responses to concerning behaviours. The project Stalking and Young People in Wales: Exploring and Increasing Knowledge, Awareness and Understanding sought to gain an insight into the knowledge and awareness of stalking among young people aged 16 to 24 in Wales. Through eight participatory workshops across Wales, the team engaged with 84 young people to learn more about their perceptions of stalking, levels of confidence regarding terminology and the law, and their views on stalking education, including what young people need to know and how they want to receive information. Workshop findings suggest that although stalking knowledge exists, it is often limited and supported by stalker stereotypes that do not consider the high likelihood of stalkers being acquaintances. There was also evidence of confusion around terminology and what might constitute stalking, as well as limited experiences of stalking education. Young people expressed a desire for more information and education. This article presents an overview of the project findings, along with suggestions for practice and future research.