1. The Gloucestershire Stalking Response
D/Supt Simon Atkinson
Public Protection Lead Gloucestershire Constabulary

2. What is stalking? Not legally defined
Crime characterised by fixation and obsession
Pattern of repeat and persistent unwanted behaviour.
It destroys lives and is a key indicator of future serious harm
Internet, loitering, watching, spying etc.

3. The law Specific offence created in 2012 inserted in the PFHA 1997.
2A – harassment which is a course of conduct amounting to stalking
4A – involving fear of violence and serious alarm or distress. Offender knows or ought to know they are causing another to fear……

4. National Impact
Stalking is estimated to affect 1 in 6 women and 1 in 12 men in their lifetime (ONS 2013)
Less than 1% of cases of stalking nationally gets recorded by the police (NCS 2015)
75% of Domestic Abuse stalkers will turn up at the workplace (Workplace Violence Research)
Stalking behaviour present in 94% of female victim homicides (Monckton-Smith et al 2017)
Homicide costs – £1.3 billion (Institute Econ/Peace 2013)

5. Local Picture - Observations
Over the last three years 43% linked to DA
Gloucestershire low recorded numbers – /16 inc
Harassment figures are masking true stalking offences……… /16 inc
Police focus on one aspect
Professionals don’t recognise stalking for what it is
The lack of coordinated response that addresses issues early
Little or no recognition of the links to MH
Quality time to engage; understand the victim’s narrative.

6. What should I do? Read the guidance and understand the signs
Show victims you understand
Complete the VIST/DASH
Talk safety plan
Signpost support; ISAC
Think evidential capture
Hold perpetrators to account

7. What is a Stalking Clinic
A multi-agency panel that will meet monthly to review stalking cases
Offender based interventions
Interventions that are based on the type of stalker identified
Resulting actions across agencies.

8. How will the clinic work?
Any agency can refer a case
Triage takes place in the daily MASH meeting; stalking risk profile tool
All triage cases supported by the ISAC
Four/five brought to the clinic for discussion
Guidance to case owner and action plan

9. Advice for victims? If it doesn’t feel right it probably isn't!
Seek support from trusted family/friends
Report to the police or GDASS; early!
Think about telling work
Keep a diary in a secure location
Screenshot s etc and save
Photograph/video your stalker if safely possible.
Get advice; Hollie Gazzard Trust, Paladin etc
Tighten security; home, work and on-line

10. Questions?