Standing against stalking

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

National Stalking Awareness Week gives local Police officers 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, which means that, if the behaviour can be described fixated, obsessive, unwanted, and repeated, it is likely to be stalking.

A statement from Derbyshire Police said that stalking can come in many different forms, and can be in person – for example, if someone is following you, spying on you or even going to places they know you regularly visit, but that it can also be online – whether that be spamming with unwanted messages, adding tracking devices to your phone or monitoring your internet use.

A dedicated online reporting tool has been set up to report stalking via the Derbyshire Constabulary website.  Officials have been spending National Stalking Awareness Week sharing social media posts to raise awareness of the signs and what to look for.

A full length version of a dedicated short film called 'Following' is also being released which 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.

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. 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.”