Stalking Advocacy and Support Service
On 1st July 2023, Stop Domestic Abuse opens a new specialist support and advocacy service for victims of stalking in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Our Stalking Advocates offer a full range of support to victims of stalking, including risk and safety planning, advocacy support (liaison with the Police, and support through the Court process), emotional and practical support, specialist advice and support in relation to cyber stalking and support to access any other services the victim may need.
Evidence shows that stalking is on the rise, following pandemic lockdowns and increased availability of monitoring devices and tracking software. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, reports of stalking offences have risen by 37% over the last three years. Victims’ lives are often pulled apart by stalking behaviours from ex partners, colleagues and from strangers, and require specialist support from experts to help them to improve their safety and access justice.
CEO of Stop Domestic Abuse, Claire Lambon, said,
“Our team of Stalking Advocates will provide specialist support to all victims of stalking, helping them to improve their personal and cyber safety, to support their mental health, and to access the additional specialist support services they need. We will help stalking victims speak out about their experiences and seek justice, and we will work with other professionals to increase community understanding of the complex issue of stalking and the vulnerability of stalking victims.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, said:
“As Police Commissioner, I have a legal duty to protect victims of crime. I am committed to making sure victims’ needs are at the heart of local policing and the wider criminal justice system.
I have commissioned Stop Domestic Abuse over the last few years to support victims and help in the fight against domestic violence across the two counties. I’m pleased that Stop Domestic Abuse, which is one of my largest contracts, is now embarking on this new stalking advocacy programme to support victims.
Stalking is a life-altering crime with many victims enduring years of abuse often resulting from an ex-partner. Thanks to Stop Domestic Abuse I am able to help protect thousands of people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”