How one UK expert is reshaping understanding of stalking behavior and developing interventions to stop it before it escalates
Dr Rachael Wheatley, a forensic psychologist at the University of Derby, has become a leading authority on stalking as a criminal behavior and psychological problem. Her research, clinical interventions, and public engagement work are transforming how law enforcement, mental health professionals, and victim advocates understand and respond to stalking cases across the UK and internationally.
Dr Rachael Wheatley holds a position at the University of Derby as a forensic psychologist with a specialized focus on stalking as both a crime and a behavioral problem. Her credentials are substantial: she is a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society, a full member of its Division of Forensic Psychology, and a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered practitioner psychologist.
Wheatley's expertise extends beyond academia into practice. She is a trustee of the Alice Ruggles Trust, an organization dedicated to addressing stalking and intimate partner abuse. She has also worked with HMPPS Psychology Services Group, bringing her knowledge directly into the criminal justice system's psychological services.
Leading Publications and Resources
In 2022, Wheatley led the development of a significant resource for the British Psychological Society: "Working with individuals who have engaged in stalking." Co-authored with Sara Henley, a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, and Dr Alan Underwood, a Clinical Psychologist, this guide was formally launched on March 15, 2023. The resource provides practitioners with evidence-based approaches to working with individuals who have engaged in stalking behavior.
