This week is National Stalking Awareness Week, an important time to highlight the dangers of stalking as well as the support available to victims affected by this terrible, destructive offence. I know the detrimental impact stalking can have, and I have spoken directly to victims and heard their experiences, which is why I am determined to make a difference and help victims in Dorset.

I am absolutely committed to tackling this harmful offence, which needs to be taken seriously by all organisations who deal with victims and their needs. Indeed, as part of my Police and Crime Plan, I have ensured support for victims sits at the heart of this priority. Not only must victims be protected but their voices must be heard, and we must continually learn from their experiences to ensure we are offering the best support possible.

As well as ensuring enforcement measures are used wherever possible against perpetrators, my Office also financially supports the Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC) service, provided by You Trust/Paragon. Today, I would like to invite ISAC, Rebecca Coombs to tell us more about stalking, her role and her message to anyone suffering at the hands of a stalker.

“My role is to work with people who have been actively stalked and provide both practical and emotional support to improve their safety. This can be anything from supporting a move to a new address or understanding a police or justice system process or civil orders – ISACs help with all of that and much, much more. Our support is available to victims whether the police are involved or not but reporting to the police does mean more powers are available to protect victims and keep them safe.

“One of the most common things I hear from my clients is that stalking makes them feel incredibly alone and isolated. My role provides reassurance that you’re not alone, you’re not paranoid and the behaviour you’re being subjected to is not acceptable. Don’t ever dismiss what you are dealing with. Obsessive, fixated, and repetitive behaviours need to be taken seriously.

“We know that statistically many people don’t come forward for help until after the 100th incident they have experienced. In isolation, single stalking behaviours may not seem threatening but looked at as a pattern, they need to be flagged. For example, one of my clients has a stalker who will drive past her home every day; he will go out of his way to drive past the home, beep the horn and flash the lights. The client no longer wants to go out as a family because of the uncertainty this behaviour is causing. They're scared to stay at home but equally scared to leave the house. And that's not how anyone should live.

“There aren’t Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers in every force area, but this is something that nationally, we are campaigning for. We have seen the benefits in Dorset, from our close partnership working which shows that joined-up agency support offered to victims and is a vital source of help which needs replicating across the country.

“Thanks to added police powers, more laws to protect victims and more of an understanding as to what constitutes stalking, it is now taken much more seriously. Of course, there is always more to be done, but it has improved, and I believe the situation in Dorset, but also nationally should continue to get better and better for victims.

“When it comes to the signs, fixated, obsessive and repetitive behaviours are key. There is another – unwanted – and it’s important that people know unwanted can look different for each and every person. Any contact you are being forced to have with that person is unwanted and while it’s not clean cut like the others, it’s important for victims to remember.

“My message to anyone experiencing stalking is to call us. Send an email. Reach out. Don't feel that you're going to be dismissed. Sometimes this behaviour can be bizarre but reach out to us as we can help. We're not going to force you to report to the police; we're not going to force you to do anything.

“Stalking is not romantic. If you don’t want this attention, if you’ve asked someone to stop and they haven’t, if you feel unsafe, seek help. You’re not being paranoid, you’re not overreacting, your concerns are valid. You don’t lose anything by having a conversation about what you’re experiencing. Take this behaviour seriously, we certainly do and we’re here for you.”

Thank you, Rebecca, for your expert advice and supportive message for anyone experiencing this harmful and distressing act. I am proud to fund this service in Dorset and believe in the work you are doing to help victims. In Dorset in the past year, stalking offences have fallen by 11% thanks to the work we’re doing, but it is important to say that we want to hear from you – help and support is available and you will be taken seriously. There are a range of people ready to listen, whether this is national organisations or locally, what’s happening to you is important.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

Help and support

For more information from Dorset Police on stalking and harassment, including what to do if you are being stalked and how to report offences, visit https://orlo.uk/PVN2z

The National Stalking Helpline and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust also provide practical information to anyone who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking. Visit https://orlo.uk/nhPNT or call 0808 802 0300.

Protection against stalking works jointly with relevant agencies to increase awareness of stalking and harassment to ensure victims received all the protection and help they need to rebuild their lives and live free of fear. Visit https://orlo.uk/K8AMv or email info@protectionagainststalking.org.

Dorset’s Paragon team helps victims of domestic and sexual abuse, including stalking victims. Visit https://orlo.uk/peIHc or call 0800 032 5204.

Other support organisations include:

• Paladin Service - https://orlo.uk/tvMAS 020 3866 4107

• 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline – https://orlo.uk/H6aRU 0808 2000 247

• Men’s Advice Line for male victims of domestic abuse - https://orlo.uk/YvWfl 0808 801 0327

• Respect helpline with information and advice for people who are abusive towards their partners - https://orlo.uk/Fn3qf 0808 802 4040

• Dorset Victim Support – https://orlo.uk/O0n0u 0300 3030 163

• Samaritans – https://orlo.uk/rol2z 116 123

• Shelter for housing advice – https://orlo.uk/a71PU 0808 808 4444

• Childline – https://orlo.uk/knXHX 0800 1111

• National Centre for Domestic Violence, 24-hour emergency service with free legal advice to help get an injunction – https://orlo.uk/iflLP 0800 970 2070

• The Electoral Commission for victims to have their details anonymised on the voter’s registration – https://orlo.uk/IKLM9

• The Information of Commissioner’s Office can assist victims more generally on the availability of personal information – https://orlo.uk/Gv7R3

• Revenge Porn Helpline for adults aged over 18 – https://orlo.uk/WVx0a

• The Cyber Helpline for victims of cybercrime and online harm – https://orlo.uk/jVZVw