Let's Talk Stalking in Staffordshire: Offences have increased 150% since the pandemic started
Survivors of domestic abuse and stalking share their stories and urge others to speak out
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
It's National Stalking Awareness Week and domestic abuse survivors from across Staffordshire are coming forward, along with Staffordshire Police, to highlight the behaviours of stalking and show the devastation this crime can have on life.
Staffordshire Police has seen an increase in stalking offences since the start of the pandemic and attributes this to increased victim and officer awareness, as well as changes to the national recording of such crimes.
It's also thought the pandemic restrictions have meant individuals are more likely at home with perpetrators more likely to know their location or whereabouts.
"We have seen a significant increase in stalking offences being reported"
Detective Inspector Victoria Ison, Deputy Head of Safeguarding, said: “Over the last year we have seen a significant increase in stalking offences being reported but on the whole it means less stalking is going unreported and more victims are being protected.”
In 2019 there were 823 offences recorded, compared to 2,088 in 2020.
Victoria Ison, continued: “A lot of work has been done to increase general understanding and awareness of this crime, so we believe more victims now recognise the behaviours and are reporting them to the police. However, the national changes to the way these crimes are recorded has also impacted the numbers quite significantly.
“Despite the increase, this change means we are better supporting victims of domestic abuse and stalking and where appropriate we can use the tools specifically available under stalking legislation to protect them."
Steve is a stalking survivor from Staffordshire:
His ex-partner refused to accept the relationship was over and became fixated with the idea that their relationship could be reconciled.
Steve says: “I repeatedly asked her not to contact me, other than to arrange childcare and visits with them. But she continued regardless. That was when I applied for a non-molestation order but even this didn’t stop the unnecessary and constant contact.
“I did everything I could to cut all ties and employed a solicitor to handle childcare arrangements on my behalf. However, they too were bombarded by her emails.
“The best way to describe my ex-partner’s behaviour would be obsessed. It’s hard to understand how she can think that we still might have a future together after all she has done.
“I constantly feel anxious and worried. I struggle to sleep and I am often awake in the early hours. I get no enjoyment from things I used to and I’m isolated from friends. I’m too scared to give out my new number so only a very few select people have it.
“The emotional turmoil of stalking should not be underestimated. I want other men who may be suffering similar behaviour to know that they don’t have to put up with it. There is help out there. New Era and the police have been brilliant and I couldn’t have got through this without them. They’ve given me practical advice about protecting myself online and listened to my worries about the court hearings.”
“I’ve pretty much had to start my life again with an almost blank canvas and rebuild my career and confidence because of what she’s done to me. I’m so thankful that I have my adorable children to give me focus and a supportive family.
“After many months of struggling to make ends meet I’ve managed to find some work and I’m finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Steve found the courage to report his ex-partner to the police and was referred to New Era, a free and confidential support service for those affected by domestic abuse. He was assigned a male specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisor. Steve’s ex-partner was convicted of stalking and given a custodial sentence.
What is stalking?
Stalking is defined as 'a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim.'
In Staffordshire 84% (1,743) of stalking cases in 2020 were classed as domestic, which means they involved partners, exSpartners or family members.
Like Steve above, 22% of victims were men.
Victims can be stalked for years with national research showing the average case lasts between 6 months and 2 years.
For more information on stalking and the help available visit the dedicated webpage www.staffordshire.police.uk/letstalkstalking
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