Raising awareness of harmful stalking behaviours

This week Dorset Police released a powerful film, which focuses on the pattern of behaviour perpetrated by stalkers towards their victims. The film picks up on the normalisation of stalking behaviours in romantic comedies and other films, which can make it difficult to recognise these acts as unacceptable and potentially dangerous. The film highlights the FOUR pattern – Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted, Repeated, urging viewers to report stalking if they recognise these behaviours. I encourage everyone to watch it and share it - Stalking: Fixated Obsessed Unwanted Repeated

I know the impact stalking can have on victims. As a candidate for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner back in 2021, I met Samantha Bumford, a victim of stalking. She was raising awareness about the crime and talking about her experience to help improve victim support and campaign for a register for those stalked outside of a relationship. Listening to her, I gained an insight into how destructive stalking can be for victims, and pledged to tackle this offence when I came to office. I know people can underplay the severity stalking has on them, not wanting to make a fuss, or dismissing the acts as ‘normal’. I want to urge anyone who is experiencing the behaviours pinpointed in this film, which follow the FOUR pneumonic, to come forward and report them. It is important, and there are people there to help you.

The more awareness we can raise about the dangerous actions of stalkers and help to dispel the misinformation around what can constitute stalking, the more we can help to protect people. Tackling the issue of stalking is a key feature of my Police and Crime Plan and, alongside the measures used by Dorset Police which include Stalking Protection Orders, I have financially supported the Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker service provided by YouTrust. They work with all stalking typologies across Dorset and lead on the stalking clinic, which is attended by Dorset Police, probation services, and health organisations. When referrals come through, YouTrust complete a risk assessment and stalking assessment, exploring the specific typology and then create a bespoke safety plan to match the risks highlighted. The team offer practical and emotional support, working with victims of stalking to report to the police, consider civil and criminal remedies and ongoing support. I have also commissioned Victim Support in Dorset, who support all victims of crime, including those subjected to stalking.

At the end of last year, Dorset Police’s lead on stalking, Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Dudfield, wrote in one of my newsletters about the extensive work which goes into dealing with this crime. There are a variety of safeguarding tools the Force use to protect victims including Community Orders, Domestic Violence Protection Orders and Stalking Protecting Orders. Detective Chief Superintendent Dudfield also offered important reassurance to victims who for many reasons may not be able to proceed down the criminal justice path, saying there are mechanisms and safeguarding measures which can still be put in place to protect people.

This week, the release of the stalking film by Dorset Police also coincides with the launch of the Victims Code campaign from the Ministry of Justice. The Victims Code explains the rights that everyone can expect to receive as a victim of crime. Whoever you are and whatever the crime, you have the right to be informed about the criminal justice process and the support available. Criminal justice agencies like the police and the courts service are responsible for making sure that victims receive the rights in the Victims’ Code. You can expect them to tell you about your rights as you go through the criminal justice process. If you decide not to report the crime, you’re still able to get help and hear about the Victims’ Codefrom support services. You can read more about the Victims Code here.

I want to be clear; victims’ voices are heard and will continue to be heard in my fight to make Dorset the safest county. I would encourage anyone who is worried or concerned they have been a victim of stalking to have the confidence to come forward and contact either Dorset Police, Victim Support, or the National Stalking Helpline; you will be listened to.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner