Dedicated charity has called for action

Scotland’s only anti-stalking charity has warned health boards to do more to protect staff and patient from stalkers.

It says none of the country’s 14 health boards has policies in place to specifically support those reporting being the victim of stalking.

Action Against Stalking said boards instead rely on policies around bullying, harassment and violence to deal with the problem.

CEO of Action Against Stalking, Hayley Tennant, said the findings have encouraged the charity to “raise the bar” in its work.

“Policymakers need to understand that stalking cases are more common than they think, more dangerous than they appreciate, and require specific laws, policies and the development of specialised skills to fully address the nature of this crime.

“As a result of our research findings, we are calling on all NHS Chief People Officers, HR Directors and Executive Directorates to proactively engage with Action Against Stalking to consult, evaluate and build robust policies and processes to protect our NHS workforce and patients.”

Some 12% of adults say they have been victims of stalking each year according to research.

The charity has recommended a national NHS anti-stalking policy to support mangers with complaints.

Training on how to deal with stalking should also be offered to health boards.

Health board leaders were sent the charity’s findings and recommendations earlier this month.