Staffordshire Police re-launch stalking awareness campaign

Staffordshire Police encourage support for campaign.

STAFFORDSHIRE POLICE RE-LAUNCH STALKING AWARNESS CAMPAIGN

Staffordshire Police have joined with charities to raise awareness of stalking through a targeted campaign.

The awareness week began Monday (24th April) and coincides with the re-launch of the force's 'Let's Talk Stalking' campaign, which aims to increase public knowledge and understanding of stalking.

Through the campaign Staffordshire Police are asking everyone in the local community to come together to reinforce that stalking behaviours are completely unacceptable, and empower victims to seek support immediately. They are encouraging support using the #LetsTalkStalking 

The campaign focuses on educating the public on four key behaviours, including; Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted and Repeated.
Detective Inspector Victoria Ison, of the Safeguarding team at Staffordshire Police, said;

"National Stalking Awareness Week gives us an opportunity to highlight the work we have been doing so far as we continue to refocus our efforts, improve services and work with partners to ensure there is a robust approach to both prevention of violence and the protection of those who don't feel safe.

"We really want people to recognise the four behaviours that are warning signs that someone is stalking you.

"This behaviour is not normal and it shouldn't be ignored or accepted."

Throughout this week, local police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been handing out advice leaflets and encouraging conversations about the Let’s Talk Stalking campaign and promoting the Hollie Guard App – a free app which can instantly turn your phone into a personal safety device.

Officers have been visiting key locations such as beauty salons, hairdressers, pharmacies, doctors’ surgeries and other public venues, in order to share the message with as many people as possible.

Detective Inspector Ison added:

"If you’re experiencing stalking, please contact us sooner, rather than later, to allow us to work with you and agree a course of action to help protect you and halt the behaviour.

“This can include using Stalking Protection Orders against offenders following arrest.

“I would urge anyone with concerns about stalking to contact the police. You can private message us through our Live Chat function on our website or call 101. You should always call 999 in an emergency.”

For more information, you can visit; LETS TALK STALKING