Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) Stalking Team and the Midcounties Co-operative’s Young Co-operators Network have gathered together to address the traumatic issue of stalking during ‘Stalking Awareness Week’ this week.
Stalking means that someone carries out a pattern of repeated and persistent unwanted behaviour against you that makes you feel scared and threatened. Three far-reaching and informative podcasts aim to raise awareness about stalking and create a safer environment for all.
The podcasts are:
1. Confusing Love with Stalking (Podcast): The team delves into the delicate balance between genuine affection and unhealthy obsession. Listeners will gain insights into recognising when affection crosses the line into stalking behaviour.
2. When Online Becomes Real Life (Podcast): The blurred boundaries between virtual interactions and real-world consequences are explored in this podcast. Listeners will learn about the impact of online actions on offline safety.
3. Spot the Signs - Trusting Your Instincts Online (Podcast): Empowering individuals to trust their instincts, this podcast provides practical guidance on recognizing warning signs and staying vigilant while navigating online spaces.
Stalking may begin with one-off incidents that build up over time and become a pattern. This can make it hard to recognize at the beginning. It may be someone you know, someone you have been in a relationship with, or someone you have never met. The important thing is that their behaviour is unwanted and unwelcome.
You might feel worried that you did something to ‘encourage’ this behaviour, but being stalked is not your fault. No-one has the right to invade your privacy, restrict your freedom, or make you feel threatened.
Black Country Women’s Aid is here to support you. Our West Midlands Stalking Support Service helps women and men over 16 who are experiencing stalking and harassment.
If you are experiencing this kind of unwanted attention, you should not have to live with it. We are here to help and support you. Get in touch today: Stalking & Harassment - Black Country Womens Aid
Sara Ward, BCWA CEO says: “We’d like to thank the Midcounties Co-operative for this opportunity to reach younger customers and members through their Young Co-operators Network.
“Our collaboration aims to empower individuals with knowledge. By understanding stalking behaviours, we can better protect ourselves and our communities.”
Tarra Simmons, Head of Community and Democratic Engagement and Walsall Community Ambassador, said: “We are delighted and proud to have worked in collaboration with Black Country Women’s Aid on this project as part of our partnership with them in Walsall. It’s such an important message to get out to everyone but in particular to young people, and the work our Young Co-operative Network are doing to create awareness of the issue and the support BCWA have available will hopefully help those in need”.
