Merseyside Police supports National Stalking Awareness Week

Merseyside Police is supporting the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and other partners as part of National Stalking Awareness Week, which runs from the 24-28 April.

The theme for the week is ‘Standing Against Stalking: Supporting Young People,‘ to highlight how an increasing number of 16-24 year olds are seeking support in how to deal with such unwanted behaviours.

Stalking is defined by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust as, ‘a pattern of unwanted, fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim.’

Often with stalking, the stalker will have an obsession with the person they're targeting. It can be someone known to the victim - an ex-partner or a person they were friends with, or it might be a stranger.

Stalking may include:

• regularly following someone
• repeatedly going uninvited to their home
• regularly sending flowers or gifts
• making unwanted or malicious communication
• checking someone’s internet use, email or other electronic communication
• hanging around somewhere they know the person often visits
• interfering with their property
• watching or spying on someone
• identity theft (signing-up to services, buying things in someone's name)

If the behaviour is: fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated, causing fear, distress or anxiety then it is more than likely to be stalking. Stalking often has a huge emotional impact on those it affects. It can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster said: “Stalking is a crime that is distressing and malicious and is something no-one should have to put up with.

“I would encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim of stalking to report the offences to the police. I want to assure those who do come forward that we will investigate reports thoroughly and with discretion and our specially trained officers will be on hand to provide safeguarding, support and reassurance.”

Detective Chief Inspector Armbruster added: “Although it is encouraging to see an increase in the number of victims coming forward, we know that there is still work to do and we are working closely with partners to improve our service and put more offenders before the courts.

"Merseyside Police and our partners are acutely aware that the experience of being stalked can change people’s lives dramatically. Victims of stalking offences can quite rightly feel unsettled, distressed and isolated which is why it is important that we get the message out that help and support is always available.”

Throughout this week we will be visiting schools to speak to students about stalking, what types of behaviours to look out for, how to report concerns and what support is available.

If you feel you have been a victim of stalking, please contact us on 101. @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you are in immediate danger always dial 999 and speak to an operator. We know that speaking openly is not always an option. The Silent Solution is a service which means anyone can call 999 and alert us, by pressing ’55’ and then coughing or tapping the handset This will indicate that help is needed and we will respond. 

If you do not want to contact the police then seek support from other agencies, for example, the National Stalking Helpline, a project run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on 0808 802 0300 or speak to friends and family about what is happening, but above all else: don’t suffer in silence.

 

Useful websites

• Support for victims of stalking and harassment | Merseyside Police
• Suzy Lamplugh Trust - This organisation aims to create a safer society by reducing the risk of violence and aggression through campaigning, education and support
• National Stalking Helpline – Practical advice and information to anyone who is currently or previously has been affected by harassment or stalking. Phone: 08088020300
• Cyber Aware - NCSC.GOV.UK - The National cyber security centre offers lots of great information on how to keep yourself safe online and how to make sure you have the best security in place
• Paladin – National Stalking Advocacy Service -This organisation providing support, advice and advocacy for anyone at high risk of serious harm from a stalker
• Alice Ruggles Trust
• Revenge Porn Helpline – Provides advice, support and guidance for adults who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as revenge porn (aged 18+).  Phone: 0345 6000 459
• Silent Solution Guide - The Silent Solution is a service which means anyone can call 999 and alert us, by pressing ’55’ and then coughing or tapping the handset This will indicate that help is needed and we will respond.