Standing against stalking

The work being done to tackle stalking in Derbyshire is being highlighted as part of a national awareness week.

This week is National Stalking Awareness Week – and the campaign gives us an opportunity to speak about the warning signs and what to look out for, as well as the work we do and the support available.

One way to figure if behaviour equates to stalking is by the FOUR acronym. This means that if the behaviour can be described as the following, it is likely to be stalking.

• Fixated
• Obsessive
• Unwanted
• Repeated.

Stalking can come in many different forms. It can be in person – for example, if someone is following you, spying on you or even going to places they know you regularly visit.

It can also be online – whether that be spamming you with unwanted messages, adding tracking devices to your phone or monitoring your internet use.

If something is happening to you that sounds familiar, don’t hesitate. Call 101, or in an emergency, 999.

We also have a dedicated online reporting tool for stalking: Report stalking or harassment | Derbyshire Constabulary

Throughout the week, we will be sharing social media posts raising awareness of the signs and what to look out for.

We will also be releasing the full-length version of our dedicated short film on stalking, ‘Following’. This tells the story of Jack and Beth, a teenaged boy and girl who are loosely acquainted at school, whose friendship changes when they sit together in a lesson.

The film, produced by the force’s multimedia team and youth engagement officer, has been shown in schools across the country after a successful run-in secondary schools and colleges in Derbyshire.

The aim of the film, and the week of intensification, is to raise awareness about what stalking and harassment means, how their actions can affect others, and the potential consequences if escalating behaviour goes unchecked.

We will also be sharing infographics and descriptions about the different types of stalker – and the different types of stalking – we can come across during these cases.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Ball, the force 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.

“We know this type of crime can have an incredibly profound impact on victims. That is why we are consistently working to ensure our response and the support we provide encapsulates all this and that victims are getting the service they deserve.

“It is also great to re-visit some of the work we have been aware of and working towards, such as the Following short film and the new reporting tool, which are now in use and see how we can further use these to help ensure the safety of people across Derbyshire.

“We would urge anyone who believes they are being stalked to get in contact as soon as possible. If their actions fit any of the ‘four’ warning signs – fixated, obsessive, unwanted, repeated – it isn’t right. Report it.”

For more information and guidance, visit our dedicated web page: Stalking and harassment | Derbyshire Constabulary