Stalking Awareness Week 22 – 26 April 2024

Apr 22

This week we're marking Stalking Awareness Week by working with our partners to build awareness of the Stalking Advocacy & Support Service we offer to anyone experiencing stalking in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We’ll be delivering training to local solicitors firms, businesses, colleges and Armed Forces to help organisations to understand the impact of stalking and how victims can access support from our service.

During Stalking Awareness Week, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is highlighting the challenges victims face to achieving a stalking conviction. The Trust makes clear that victims of stalking “need all agencies to work together to ensure they have support from the first point of disclosure right through to conviction and beyond.”

We work with the Police & Crime Commissioner, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Southern Health and the Probation Service to increase community understanding of stalking and the vulnerability of stalking victims. Our Stalking Advocates help victims to improve their personal and cyber safety and to access specialist support for their individual needs.

Are you experiencing stalking?

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes you to feel distressed or scared.

Stalking can consist of any type of behaviour such as regularly sending gifts, constant, unwanted or malicious communication, damaging property and physical or sexual assault. Stalkers can use a combination of online and offline behaviours to try and gain contact with the victim such as calls, texts, contacting family, friends and work, researching the victim online and using fake profiles to try and remain anonymous.

Stalking is a serious crime. If you are receiving any form of contact that is causing you to feel distressed or scared, even if the person has never threatened you, this can still be stalking and is not acceptable.

You are not alone and can report this behaviour. Stalking is never your fault. We are here to support you.

For free, confidential advice, help and information

Call 0330 0533 630

Email stalking@stopdomesticabuse.uk

To find out more click here Stop Domestic Abuse