David Sidwick supports National Stalking Awareness Week
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, supports National Stalking Awareness Week
This week marks the start of National Stalking Awareness Week, championed by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The Suzy Lamplugh was established in 1986, following the disappearance of 25-year-old Suzy Lamplugh, an estate agent and lone worker who went to meet a client and never returned.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has a long history of working within the Violence Against Women and Girls sector, dealing particularly with stalking and harassment. The National Stalking Helpline was set up by the Trust in 2010 and it has helped over 45,000 victims since its inception.
Each year, the Suzi Lamplugh Trust celebrates National Stalking Awareness Week by campaigning to raise awareness around a different issue related to stalking. This year, their campaign is called ‘Bridging The Gap’, highlighting the vital role that stalking advocates play in bridging the gap between the victim and the criminal justice system.
Here in Dorset, we are getting behind the campaign and are looking to encourage victims of stalking to come forward and access the free and available support.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “Stalking is a very serious problem, which can have a devastating effect on victims.”
“I am pleased to say that Dorset Police has in place Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) and I have financially committed to ensuring the immediate future of the Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC) service that You Trust/Paragon provide. The ISAC is an important role that delivers support to victims of stalking by guiding them through the criminal justice system and providing advice and guidance.”
“I have also commissioned Victim Support to provide support to victims of crime in Dorset and they too will provide the help needed to the victims of stalking.”
“I want to make sure everyone knows about stalking, what it is, how it effects people and of course, where to get help. I would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of stalking to have the confidence to come forward and contact Dorset Police, Victim Support Dorset or the National Stalking Helpline.”
Report to Police
Call Dorset Police on 101 or use their online reporting tools: www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/
In an emergency, always call 999.
Local Support Services
Victim Support Dorset – Telephone 0300 303 0163 alternatively, you can contact via live chat – open 24/7
National Support Services
National Stalking Helpline - 0808 802 0300
Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service - 020 7840 8960 or info@paladinservice.co.uk