Glasgow women launch anti-stalking charity's first podcast

Surviving Stalking is presented by Karen Fullerton-Chalmers and Shelcy Garcia, who first met as Masters students at Strathclyde University.

Both women work for Action Against Stalking, the charity set up by former Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year Ann Moulds, following her own horrific ordeal at the hands of a stalker.

Ann Moulds, a Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year, who set up Action Against Stalking (Image: Newsquest)

Karen explained: “The podcast will help us eradicate the myths about stalking, that it is somehow justified, or even romantic.

“We want to give victims a safe space, and a voice. Stalking is very real and very dangerous.”

She added: “We also want to highlight that people are survivors. Our charity was founded by a survivor and we have seen first-hand that through this pain, change can be made. There is light at the end of the tunnel and if you feel like you can’t see it, AAS is here to guide, empower and support you.”

Karen, 30, who is from the East End of Glasgow, is the first PHD researcher at the Centre for Action Against Stalking, developed by the charity in association with the University of the West of Scotland.  AAS community engagement officer Shelcy, 27, moved to Glasgow from Texas five years ago and joined the charity last year.

Karen and Shelcy hope the podcast will help victims of stalking (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

“The podcast is called Surviving Stalking because our founder, Ann Moulds, is a survivor herself,” says Shelcy.

“We want to shed light on the behaviours of a stalker and how they really affect a victim and how people, even years after their experience, are still affected by those actions.

“Our message is that showing someone fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour is not flattering or acceptable.”

An introductory episode is available now, and an interview with Ann Moulds features in the second episode. The third edition includes an interview with journalist and Obsession author Nicole Madigan.

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Shelcy said: “We have spoken to some incredible people who are willing to share their stories. We hope the podcast can help those who may be experiencing stalking to reach out for help.”

While AAS, in the establishment of the Centre for Action Against Stalking and in its links with City of Glasgow College and Police Scotland, has done much to encourage research, there is still work to do, says Karen.

“Stalking is still seen as trivial and humorous, when in fact it is life-changing to those who have endured it,” she adds.

“The idea of stalking being about love is a stereotype that needs to be eradicated to ensure that victims of stalking are taken seriously and get the support and justice they deserve.”

Episoides of Surviving Stalking are available on the first Monday of every month.