Exploring the Latest Stalking Statistics: Insights and Trends
Stalking is a pervasive issue that affects a significant portion of the population in England and Wales. According to recent data collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately one in seven individuals aged 16 and over have been victims of stalking at least once in their lives. This statistic sheds light on the prevalence of this form of harassment and the impact it has on individuals’ lives.
Understanding Overall Experiences of Stalking
The ONS survey revealed that 14.4% of people aged 16 and over are likely to have experienced stalking at some point in their lives. This data was collected as part of the most recent crime survey of England and Wales, conducted in the year leading up to March 2024. Additionally, around 5.2% of individuals have been stalked by a partner or ex-partner, while approximately 2.2% have experienced stalking by a family member.
In terms of long-term trends, 3.2% of people aged 16 and over reported experiencing stalking in the past 12 months as of March 2024, a slight decrease from 3.4% in the previous year. This figure equates to roughly 1.5 million individuals across England and Wales. Historical data for individuals aged 16 to 59 shows a relatively stable trend over the last decade, with the proportion ranging between 3.5% and 4.7% each year, including 3.8% in 2023/24.
It is worth noting that while the number of stalking offences recorded by the police has increased significantly over the years, the number of police-recorded offenses remains below the levels reported in the survey. This could be attributed to differences in how stalking is defined by the survey and the police, as well as victims’ reluctance to report such incidents to law enforcement.
Gender Disparities in Stalking Victims
Women are disproportionately affected by stalking compared to men, with 20.2% of women in England and Wales having experienced stalking since the age of 16, in contrast to 8.7% of men. The latest ONS figures indicate that 4.0% of women aged 16 and over reported experiencing stalking in the year leading up to March 2024, along with 2.3% of men.
When examining annual historical data for individuals aged 16 to 59, the proportion of women who were victims of stalking decreased from 5.7% in the previous year to 5.0%, while for men, the figure decreased from 4.3% to 3.8%. These declines were not deemed statistically significant by the ONS.
Interestingly, younger age groups are more likely to be victims of stalking, with 8.8% of 16-19 year-olds in England and Wales experiencing stalking in the past year. This percentage decreases with each successive age group, highlighting the vulnerability of younger individuals to this form of harassment.
Impact of Stalking on Different Ethnic Groups
Data from the ONS survey also reveals disparities in stalking victimization among different ethnic groups. People identifying as black are more likely to experience stalking than other ethnic groups, with 4.6% of black individuals aged 16 and over in England and Wales being victims of stalking in the year leading up to March 2024.
When broken down by gender, the pattern persists, with 6.9% of black women likely to have experienced stalking in the same period, compared to 4.2% of women of mixed ethnicity, 4.0% of white women, and 2.5% of Asian women. Among men, Asian males have the highest reported incidence of stalking at 3.0%, followed by white males at 2.3% and black males at 2.0%.
It is essential to recognize these disparities in stalking victimization among different ethnic groups and to address the underlying factors contributing to these trends.
In conclusion, stalking remains a prevalent issue in society, with a significant portion of the population in England and Wales having experienced this form of harassment. By understanding the key statistics and trends related to stalking, we can work towards implementing effective prevention and intervention strategies to support victims and combat this pervasive issue.
