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Raising Awareness of Stalking - Did you know?

This week is National Stalking Awareness Week, raising awareness of this type of crime and the huge impact it can have on victims. 

Stalking is a type of harassment and can take a number of different forms, including being followed, being bombarded with calls and messages or even threats of violence. 

Although there are obvious signs like those listed above, there are many other ways stalking might occur and anyone could be a victim. 

 

Did you know? 

  • Stalking is classed as fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated contact. 
  • Stalking isn’t just sending someone threatening/abusive messages – it could be sending gifts that the recipient doesn’t want. 
  • Some stalking victims are contacted by perpetrators claiming to be someone else (like a close friend) and sometimes have even had their own identities stolen. 
  • It doesn’t have to happen in-person. Nationally, 76% of stalking now happens online. 
  • Stalking can be carried out by anyone. In Derbyshire, 85% of perpetrators are personally connected to the victim. 
  • Anyone can be a victim. In England and Wales, one in five women and one in 11 men saying they have previously been stalked. 
  • If you’re changing your routine to avoid someone else’s behaviour, you may be a victim of stalking. 

    •  

    Spotting the signs of stalking 

    The Alice Ruggles Trust have created a video to raise awareness of the signs of stalking. 

    It features two friends discussing the behaviour of an ex-partner and how what could be seen as minor actions could potentially escalate. 

    The aim is to ensure victims recognise stalking for what it is and that friends and family are able to support. 

    Watch the video here: https://fb.watch/z0Ut3W5Wib/  

     

    Support for victims of stalking

  • Always call 999 if you or someone else is in danger. 
  • In a non-emergency, you can contact Derbyshire police on 101, on www.derbyshire.police.uk or through their social media to report stalking. 
  • Call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300. They can provide practical support as well as advice on risk, safety and legislation for victims. 
  • Speak to a trusted friend, family member or colleague. 

    •  

    Complete the stalking victim’s survey 

    Derbyshire Voice is an app where victims of crime who live in Derbyshire can share their experience, views, ideas and opinions about the impact of crime, support services and what needs to change across the county. 

    We’re currently running a five-minute survey specifically for people who have been a victim of stalking. It includes questions about experiences you have had with the police and if you’ve had any support from victim support services. There’s also an opportunity to get involved in more in-depth research on stalking. 

    All contributions and experiences are welcome – your views will help us to provide better support for future victims.  

    There’s more information on how to get the Derbyshire Voice app if you’re interested in taking part.  

    Please note that this app is only for those who have lived experience of being a victim of crime in Derbyshire. 

     

    If you need help 

  • Call 999 if you or someone else is in danger.
  • In a non-emergency contact Derbyshire police on 101, on www.derbyshire.police.uk or through their social media. 
  • Call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.
  • Speak to a trusted friend, family member or colleague.

    • For Derbyshire Victim Services

  • Visit DerbyshireVictimServices.co.uk
  • Call 0800 612 6505
  • Text ‘DVS’ TO 82228
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    • Phone - call us on 101
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    • In an emergency ALWAYS call 999
    • If you are D/deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, text us on 07800 002414 or email deafsms@Derbyshire.police.uk for emergencies click here https://999bsl.co.uk to go through to an interpreter.

    You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStopppers website
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