Since 2014, Action Against Stalking has been working tirelessly to establish a world where everyone has a right to live without fear of psychological or predatory threat. Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Election, we are pleased to launch our manifesto, which calls on political parties to take meaningful, targeted and sustained actions to prevent stalking and to improve experiences for victims. Stalking has a profound psychological and physical impact on victims and their families. The harms caused by stalking can include increased anxiety, fear and powerlessness, PTSD symptoms, changes to lifestyles, daily routine or work, and in some cases suicidality. Victims urgently need and deserve support.
In our manifesto, we set out four key asks of political parties:
- Recognise stalking as a public health issue
- Provide consistent and sustained funding to third sector specialist support services
- Improve experiences for victims of stalking in the criminal justice system
- Commit to tackling online and technology-facilitated forms of violence and abuse
This is a critical opportunity for MSPs standing for election to demonstrate their support to victims of stalking, and their commitment to policy development that advances victims’ rights. Our vision is for a Scotland that recognises stalking as a serious crime and significant public health issue. Committing to our four asks will drastically improve the lives of victims of stalking.
What can you do to support our manifesto asks?
- Share our manifesto on social media.
- Write to your current MSP and those standing for election to encourage them to endorse our four key asks of political parties. You can find information about your current MSP, and who is standing for election in your constituency here.