Stalking reports in Sussex among highest in England and Wales
Victims are being reminded that help is available as National Stalking Awareness Week begins
Last updated 19th Apr 2021
As National Stalking Awareness Week gets underway, new statistics reveal the number of reported offences in the county has hit a new high.
Last year, Sussex Police recorded more offences than any other police force in the country other than London's Metropolitan Police, with 13,324.
The number of offences recorded in the county has jumped by more than 100% in the space of three years, with police putting it down to more victims feeling confident to come forward and report offences.
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."
Last year, Sussex Police was the first force in the country to secure Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) in court, which run for a minimum of two years.
The force recorded 13,324 reports of offences involving stalking during 2020.
They equip police 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.
A total of 30 SPOs have already been secured and applications for a further five are currently due to be heard by courts in Sussex.
Mick Richards adds;
"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 have also just initiated 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 are 12 1:1 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.
In an extra move to help increase awareness of the stalking issue, from April local people will also see eight marked police cars on the streets of Sussex with messaging that highlights the ‘FOUR’ behaviours of Stalking (Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted & Repeated) urging people to use their instinct and report it to police.
Carl Hall, Deputy Director of Community Development at Interventions Alliance, the group working with Sussex Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner on the Perpetrators project said;
"We are pleased to be helping police in Sussex to address the terrible harm caused by stalkers by providing a targeted specialist behaviour change intervention to those subject to a Stalking Protection Order.
"The growing shift towards cyber stalking and it’s reduced visibility highlights the increasingly essential role of Sussex Police and Veritas Justice in their efforts to protect victims of stalking.”
What can I do if I am being stalked?
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.
Think FOUR. Is the behaviour;
F – fixated
O – obsessive
U – unwanted
R - repeated
Where can I go to for help?
More details about stalking and harassment and how to report this dangerous and debilitating crime can be found on the Sussex Police website.
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.
If you would like further information about stalking or harassment, there are several organisations that specialise in providing advice and support to victims.
Veritas is a local organisation which provides advocacy and support for victims of stalking. Also for details of an online chat facility, delivered by Veritas Justice for victims of stalking to easily reach out for help and advice during this time, go to the Veritas website
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.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides practical personal safety advice - call them on 020 7091 0014.