Police supporting National Stalking Awareness Week

Nottinghamshire Police is supporting National Stalking Awareness Week, along with other forces across the country, to help spread awareness of the issue.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was founded in 1986 by Diana and Paul Lamplugh, following the disappearance and presumed murder of their daughter Suzy. 25-year-old Suzy disappeared during the course of her work as an estate agent while showing a client round a house in Fulham. The charity aims to reduce the risk of violence and aggression through campaigning, education and support.

The Trust aims to raise awareness of stalking and what to do if you feel you’re being stalked.

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Anyone can become a victim of stalking, regardless of age, gender, job or location. According to the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, one in five women and one in 10 men in the UK are stalked at some point in their lives.

Stalking is defined as ‘a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders serious alarm or distress in the victim.’

Ultimately, if the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted and is causing you fear, distress or anxiety, then you should report this as soon as possible.

Detective Inspector, Clare Dean, said: The impact on victims of stalking should not be underestimated. It can have such an effect that everyday life becomes harder and harder to deal with.

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“We know that victims often do not report until they have experienced around 100 incidents. Stalking is motivated by obsession and fixation and indicates a real risk. It is an insidious crime with an often devastating effect on the victims lives.

“We want to encourage people to come forward and report stalking. It’s a serious offence and we will do everything we can to protect those who are suffering and bring perpetrators to justice.”

Anyone who is concerned about stalking or thinks they are being targeted should report it to police on 101 as soon as possible.

For help and support call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 8020300 or visit www.suzylamplugh.org.