Forces come out in support of National Stalking Awareness Week

Police forces across the country are supporting National Stalking Awareness Week 2025 (22 – 25 April), the theme of which this year is “Health Response to Spotting Stalking.”

Run by Suzy Lamplugh Trust, National Stalking Awareness Week is designed to raise awareness around stalking, including how to recognise stalking behaviour and encouraging people to take appropriate action against it.

This year’s theme focuses on the gaps that exist within NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England when it comes to supporting stalking victims.

Research by Suzy Lamplugh Trust, published to coincide with National Stalking Awareness Week, reveals that, although stalking victims are reaching out to healthcare services for help, professionals are not receiving training or guidance to help spot stalking and refer them into specialist stalking services for support.

Yet the need for tailored support services is evidenced by the fact that 95% of victims say stalking has impacted their psychological and mental health, with many actively seeking support to manage their symptoms.

However, one of the stark findings of the research is that none of the 41 NHS ICBs who responded could identify any services they commissioned for stalking victims, nor could they identify any staff training that they commissioned that specifically addresses stalking.

FOUR stalking behaviours

To encourage people to recognise the signs of stalking behaviour and take appropriate action, police forces are urguing the public to recognise the FOUR behaviours associated with stalking:

• Fixated – being followed on your daily routine, spied on, or being watched by someone loitering around your work or home.
• Obsession – being monitored on or offline, cyberstalking, the ordering and cancelling of items on your behalf.
• Unwanted attention – gifts being sent or left for you; unwanted messages, letters or phone calls. Even damage or graffiti being caused to your property.
• Repeated behaviour – this can be any nuisance or threatening behaviour, being approached, accosted or bullied repeatedly.

“Stalking and harassment affects everyone. We appreciate the serious impact stalking has on someone’s life and we want to reassure people that support is available.

“Stalking is not limited to following someone or loitering round where they live or work, but can consist of a multitude of different behaviours such as repeatedly texting, emailing or leaving voicemails, sending unwanted gifts, hacking into your computer, email, cameras and social media accounts, going through rubbish bins; leaving offensive material in the garden or verbal abuse or public humiliation.

“We’re in a digital era where being can be targeted online as well so it’s really important to know the signs of what to look for.”

Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Burns, Staffordshire Police’s stalking and harassment lead.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Ball, Derbyshire Police’s lead for stalking, said: “This week of intensification is a real opportunity for us to educate people, most importantly, on how to spot the signs of stalking and how they can report it to us.

“Over the course of the week we will be sharing some really informative videos and social media posts.

“Sessions are also being held for our officers to further their knowledge on protective measures and how to effectively apply for them.”

Northumbria stalking programme marks successful first year

In Northumbria, an innovative partnership that aims to tackle staking behaviours and prevent reoffending has worked on 43 high risk stalking cases in its first year.

The Northumbria Stalking Interventions Programme (NSIP) brings together police, probation, victim services and health professionals to raise awareness of stalking among colleagues, better manage the risk of those exhibiting stalking behaviours and ensure victims are offered the best protection and support.

The project became operational in 2024, with funding secured through the local Probation Service and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria.

In the project’s first year, the key focus has been training practitioners to recognise early signs of stalking behaviours and ensuring stalking-specific risk assessments are carried out for high-risk cases. NSIP has developed and delivered a stalking awareness package to 2332 practitioners throughout probation as well as other partner agencies within the Northumbria force area.

“Stalking is a very frightening and intimidating crime and the earlier we can all come together to protect the victim and change the behaviours of those doing the stalking, the better. We call this a multiagency approach, and I really believe it’s the best way to address stalking by ensuring effective communication and information sharing.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.

GMP’s stalking triage centre driving victim-centric investigations

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched a stalking triage centre in 2024, which adds a further layer of support for those suffering from stalking.

The team acts as a support hub for police officers across Greater Manchester who are investigating these types of offences, offering advice on evidential opportunities, suspect strategies, safeguarding, and victim engagement, to ensure our investigations are victim-centric and gain the best outcome possible.

Every week, the centre welcomes representatives from The Pankhurst Trust and Catch 22, charities and services which aid people across Greater Manchester. By visiting, they can engage directly with officers and assist in sharing best practice with the team regarding specific cases.

“Our stalking work over the last few years – and months in particular – has seen significant improvements in our service delivery.

“We continually adapt and evolve to the latest best practices and legislation available to us, with victim-centric work at the heart of what we do.

“I would urge anyone who believes they are the victim of stalking to get in touch with us, as our officers will do their best to ensure all appropriate actions are taken. Other avenues are available for advice – from charities to independent services – somebody will be there to help you.”

Detective Inspector Rebecca Jones, who works within GMP’s stalking triage centre.

Supporting stalking victims in Wales through Paladin

In Wales, the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner has commissioned specialist support from Paladin – the National Stalking Advocacy Service.

Victims of stalking across Dyfed-Powys can now access free, confidential advice and support from two part-time Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs), who are already making a difference locally. To date, 13 victims have received dedicated support through this pilot scheme.

“Stalking can have a devastating impact on victims, and it’s vital that those affected feel seen, heard and supported. I’m proud that through our partnership with Paladin, victims across Dyfed-Powys can access expert help through the ISAC service — and I encourage professionals to take part in the free seminar this week as we raise awareness and drive forward better multi-agency responses.”

Dyfed-Powys PCC Dafydd Llywelyn.

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