The Nature of Stalking: Perceptions, Experiences and Effects among 16-24-year-olds in England and Wales

Cater, Tiffany (2025) The Nature of Stalking: Perceptions, Experiences and Effects among 16-24-year-olds in England and Wales. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

In the UK, 1 in 5 women will be stalked during their lifetime in comparison to 1 in 10 men (NIDAS, 2023; Suzy Lamplugh Trust, 2021). Despite this, stalking among young people specifically 16-24-year-olds is an under-researched area within gender-based violence (Mellins et al, 2023). The lack of knowledge of stalking within Generation Z is concerning as young people are being treated the same as adult victims meaning that the unique challenges that young people face are not considered. As a result, individuals are left feeling unsupported, not believed, and not taken seriously which has major implications for victims’ wellbeing in terms of their physical and mental health (Suzy Lamplugh Trust, 2023). Research has been conducted with organisations such as the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, however, this appears to be the first research conducted that examines stalking among young people in England and Wales that does not rely on student populations, considers multiple victim-perpetrator dyads, and explores the long-term effects of stalking.

This thesis draws on data from 307 young people aged 16-24-years-old who participated in a quantitative survey accessed via social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and TikTok. Survey data was analysed using descriptive statistics and various statistical tests such as chi-squared tests via the use of SPSS. In addition, data from twelve follow-up semi-structured interviews were also conducted which examined young victim’s experiences of stalking and were analysed using an Ethnographic Content Analysis. From a Feminist and Ultra-Realist standpoint, this research aimed to explore perceptions and experiences of stalking of individuals within Generation Z which considers the extent to which young people’s experiences are unique to adults.

Findings indicate that younger participants within the sample were more accepting of stalking myths than older participants and traditional stalking behaviours were more likely to be recognised and cause concern among individuals within Generation Z. Overall, young people find it difficult to identify stalking and disclose stalking experiences which often contributes to adverse mental health and self-blame. Young people are left feeling dismissed, not taken seriously and at risk of further harm. Findings provide evidence that 16-24-year-olds need increased education on stalking awareness to help young people identify stalking before the escalation of these behaviours occur. Whilst it is recognised that voluntary organisations are raising awareness in educational institutions, these organisations need additional support from the government. The recommendation is made that stalking awareness should be made mandatory and included in the National Curriculum”. Increased education among this age group will help to reduce the long-term impact of stalking in terms of alleviating self-blame which is often internalised by young women leading to a justification of the perpetrator’s actions. It is evident that more research is needed especially as stalking among young people is increasing due to technological advancements and the misunderstandings that exist in society and this research is hoped to enact change and bring the experiences of young victims to the forefront.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 3 November 2025 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Stalking, Generation Z, Young people, Effects, Experiences
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific) CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-04 - psychology and health CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-01 - sociology, social policy and anthropology > CAH15-01-02 - sociology CAH16 - law > CAH16-01 - law > CAH16-01-01 - law CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-01 - education
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Law and Social Sciences > Criminology and Sociology > Criminology
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	24 Nov 2025 08:49
Last Modified:	24 Nov 2025 08:49
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16730

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