Stalking Reports in Sussex Double In Three Years

Figures from Sussex Police show the force recorded 13,324 reports of offences involving stalking during the year 2020 — more than double the number received three years ago.

This morning, at the beginning of National Stalking Awareness Week, police in the county also said their force was the second highest recorder of stalking offences after the Metropolitan Police, which covers all London.

But at the same time, officers claimed they were "already advising and supporting more stalking victims than ever".

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Richards said:

"We are committed to continually improving our understanding of stalking and harassment and our response to it.

"We have improved training for officers and staff and have ensured specialists are on hand across the county to offer expert advice and support to colleagues every day to keep people safe and feeling safe.

"We want victims to be confident and know we will take all reports seriously."

As soon as a new law came into effect in January last year, Sussex was the first force in the country to secure court Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs), which run for a minimum of two years.

The force has already secured 30 SPOs and applications for a further five are currently due to be heard by courts in Sussex.

Police said these Orders equip officers with "valuable" powers to better protect victims or anyone connected with them in stalking cases.

Significantly, SPOs enable police to enforce both prohibitions and/or specific requirements.

Mick Richards added: 

"During the current Covid-19 pandemic and as it hopefully recedes, your safety online remains particularly important and there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself.

"In particular, don't be tempted to 'block' your caller, delete messages or throw away gifts as they could be used as evidence later on.

"This might include audio recordings, films or pictures, copies of emails, text messages, screenshots and similar material.

"You can also keep a log of all the incidents that have occurred.

"Always report it. Getting help early will assist in protecting you. This can be done by contacting us online, by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency."

Sussex Police also reminded the media this morning they have also begun operating a Stalking Perpetrator Programme, with extra government funding.

Up to 30 spaces are available for people who have been given an SPO and who agree to engage with specialist therapists in behavioural intervention therapy sessions.

These consist of twelve, one-to-one consultations.

The aim is to help the perpetrator to acknowledge, accept and recognise the difficult emotions and thoughts that trigger harmful behaviour, in turn helping them manage those emotions and behaviour without causing harm to others. 

So far four people have been identified for participation in the programme with all new cases being considered.

But police emphasise that anyone who participate in these interventions but who still go on to offend will still be investigated for prosecution wherever possible.

Claudia Ortiz, founder of Veritas Justice, said:

"For this National Stalking Awareness Week we are focusing on "Unmasking Stalking" to better understand the changing landscape that stalking victims face as live returns to normal.

"Now more than ever it is important that stalking victims remain a visible priority by enabling them to access the support and advice they need during the challenging times ahead.

"We are already seeing an even more significant shift to cyber and online stalking behaviours, which are having a very negative impact on individuals and families, we are acutely aware that as domestic abuse increases so will stalking, anxiety and isolation.

"Despite the challenges, we remain committed to continue offering flexible and comprehensive support to those affected by this devastating crime.

"We will continue working with partners to adapt to the changing landscape.

"We want to reassure victims that we are still here for them, you don't have to suffer in silence, check out website and chat to us."

Veritas Justice has a website: https://veritas-justice.co.uk 

Sussex Police fell under the spotlight for its response to stalking reports after Portslade woman Shana Grice was fined for wasting police time after reporting her stalker five times in 2016.

But the man she reported went on to murder her.

Officers said in March this year they had "long accepted" they made mistakes, apologised for the failures made five years ago, and have undertaken all recommendations made by several reviews.

Background and detailed advice

Police this morning gave points for stalking victims to be aware of, and which may help them in their reports.

If you are being stalked or harassed it is important that you report it. Stalkers are fixated and obsessive offenders who will not stop.

Stalking is when someone shows repeated and unwanted attention towards another person. Often when individual incidents are put together they can reveal a pattern of obsessive behaviour.

Stalking is a crime that is distressing and malicious and is something no one should have to put up with.

Police said:

Think FOUR — is the behaviour:

• F - fixated
• O - obsessive
• U - unwanted
• R - repeated

For further information on local support services go to Safe Space Sussex.  

You can report stalking or harassment online or by calling 101 or in person at your local police station.

But always call 999 if you are in danger.

Here are several organisations that specialise in providing advice to victims of stalking, harassment or controlling behaviour.

Veritas is a local organisation which provides advocacy and support for victims of stalking. 

https://veritas-justice.co.uk/ 

The National Stalking Helpline provides advice and guidance to current or previous victims of stalking or harassment and can be contacted on 0808 802 0300. 

https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/national-stalking-helpline

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides practical personal safety advice - call them on 020 7091 0014.

https://www.suzylamplugh.org/