As part of the National Stalking Awareness week, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust have launched a report into the local response of stalking by statutory agencies like police.
This is a follow-up report from two years previously when a similar report was launched. Eight police and crime commissioners have since commissioned services that specifically work with victims of stalking in 2017-2018, including PCC for Northumbria Dame Vera Baird. This local service employs a stalking harassment lead. Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex, has commissioned Veritas Justice to provide a local advocacy and support service for victims of stalking.
Since it was launched in 2010, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust has responded to over 23,000 calls and emails from people affected by stalking. A spokesperson has stated that: “We are calling on agencies to commit to making #ReportStalking a strategic priority, to look at ways that they can better identify and manage stalking, as well as support victims in their local area.”
Dame Vera Baird has stated:“Let me be clear from the outset, here in Northumbria we take domestic violence and stalking seriously, I am committed to ensuring that Northumbria offers support and help to victims and my commitment during national stalking awareness week is that we will continue to build on this service.”
Suzy Lamplugh Trust runs the National Stalking helpline on 0808 802 0300 for anyone who is need of support.