National Stalking Awareness Week
Written by John Williamson on 16/04/2018
Cumbria police are supporting a national campaign this week (16th – 20nd April) to raise awareness of stalking.
This year’s campaign, by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, focuses on raising awareness of stalking and encouraging reporting. The charity will also be showcasing work in the criminal justice system to support victims of stalking and highlight best practice.
Cumbria police will be informing members of the public about stalking behaviours and also encouraging reporting. The campaign can be followed on social media via #ReportingStalking.
Stalking behaviours include (but not exhaustive):
· contacting/attempting to contact the victim;
· publishing statements or material about the victim;
· monitoring the victim (including online);
· loitering in a public or private place;
· interfering with property;
· watching or spying.
As part of the week Cumbria police will be:
· playing out a stalking scenario as it could happen via social media. The story will be available in the ‘stories’ section on Cumbria police’s Snapchat and Instagram accounts;
· experts, including police leads, will be hosting a live Q&A webchat on Facebook (date to be confirmed).
Detective Inspector, Dan StQuintin said:
“Becoming a victim of stalking can happen to anyone, at any time. We take any reports of stalking and harassment seriously, all reports are thoroughly investigate with appropriate support and safeguarding considered.
“Everyone has the right to live their life without fear and harassment. The nature of this type of crime is particularly distressing because the perpetrator is directly targeting a person. Stalking can have a devastating effect on a victim and their loved ones, and we will continue to work hard to bring anyone found responsible to justice.
“I would urge anyone who has concerns around stalking and harassment to report them to the police immediately.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said:
“I can only reiterate the good advice from the police, and would add – please don’t suffer in silence. Please have the confidence to come forward if you have any concerns at all, as the police will take all reports seriously.”
Anyone who would like to report an incident of stalking, or concerns should call Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
