As part of National Stalking Awareness Week, it is important to recognize the link between stalking serious harm, including homicide, and how this can present within the Armed Forces community.
Stalking is not a one-off incident, but a pattern of behavior over time. Research and domestic homicide reviews consistently show that stalking is often present in the lead-up to the killing of women, particularly by current of former partners. Recognising stalking behaviours early is therefore critical in identifying and responding to risk.
Within the Armed Forces community, specific factors such as deployments, relocations, and job roles can shape how stalking behaviours present. These circumstances can create opportunities for perpetrators to monitor behavior and exert control from a distance, particularly through the use of technology.
At Aurora New Dawn, we have seen how digital tools can be used as part of stalking behaviours. Shared accounts, access to devices, and remote monitoring can allow perpetrators to track movements, access communities, and maintain a sense of proximity even when physically absent. In some cases, technical knowledge linked to Armed Forces roles can be used to heighten this control, creating an environment where victims feel that their privacy is constantly at risk.
Technology within the home, such as cameras, doorbells, and CCTV, can provide reassurance. However, these tools can also be used to monitor and question a person’s movements, contributing to a wider pattern of surveillance and control. When viewed in isolation, these behaviours may appear low-level, but as part of a pattern. They can indicate escalating risk.
Digital stalking can be persistent and intrusive, contributing to an ongoing sense of fear and loss of control. This is particularly significant when considered alongside the established link between stalking and serious harm. Where stalking behaviours are present, it is essential that they are recognised and responded to appropriately, rather than minimized. During National Stalking Awareness Week, we want to highlight that stalking can take many forms, including through digital means, and that it should always be taken seriously. Understanding the patterns of stalking, particularly within the context of Armed Forces life, is key to identifying risk and preventing harm.
At Aurora New Dawn, we provide confidential, independent, specialist support for anyone in the Armed Forces community experiencing stalking. If you or someone you know is affected, support is available.
