Stop Domestic Abuse marks one year of specialist service for victims of stalking across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Over the past twelve months, we have provided specialist advice, help and information to 180 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have been victims of stalking and harassment. Through the Stalking Advocacy & Support Service, we provide high-quality, free, confidential support to victims of stalking.
The service, a collaboration with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, has been supporting victims of stalking and harassment since it launched in July 2023.
On 14th August, Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight visited our offices and met the Stalking Advocacy & Support Service team to hear about their work. The Commissioner spoke to a victim of stalking about her experiences and the specialist advice, support and information she has received from the team.
Stalking is a serious crime. The majority of stalking offences are committed by a former partner; perpetrators are predominantly male aged between 18 and 32 years old, and victims are typically women and girls.
The Stalking Advocacy team talked to Donna Jones about the tactics that stalkers use to try and gain contact with their victim, often bombarding them with calls and texts, contacting family, friends and work, researching their victim online and using fake profiles to try and remain anonymous.
Claire Lambon, CEO, Stop Domestic Abuse, said,
“Our team of Stalking Advocates help victims of stalking to improve their personal and cyber safety, to support their mental health, and to access the additional specialist support service they need. We help stalking victims to speak out about their experiences and seek justice. Over the past twelve months, we have been encouraged by the engagement from other professionals wanting to improve their response to victims of stalking and increase understanding of this complex issue including the vulnerability of stalking victims. 759 professionals have attended training, delivered by Stop Domestic Abuse colleagues, which aims to increase awareness and improve the response to stalking and harassment. We are proud to work in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and her team to tackle stalking across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking and need help, please contact us on 0330 0533 630.”
A victim of stalking said,
“When I first started working with my Stalking Advocate I was not in a good place and my mental and physical health was not good. With the help of my Advocate, I was able to contact my GP and from there things have only improved. There have been lots of ups and downs, with the stalking continuing for 8 months before he was arrested and remanded. During this time, I was fearful, anxious, and scared. The support I have received from my Advocate has really helped me to stay focused and continue reporting and I now feel able to read my own impact statement in Court. Something I thought I would never be able to do.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, said,
“I am delighted that the stalking support service I commissioned has had such a positive impact in its first year. Stalking debilitates victims, it can be terrifying and life-changing and it should never be normalised.
“Victims need bespoke advice and support which is why this stalking advocacy service is so important. As Commissioner, I am pleased to be able to offer help to so many victims of stalking and harassment across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
To contact the Stalking Advocacy and Support Service for advice about stalking,
Call: 0330 0533 630
Email: stalking@stopdomesticabuse.uk
Visit: stopdomesticabuse.uk/stalking