Thames Valley Police (TVP) have spoken out about work they are doing to combat stalking and domestic violence to coincide with National Stalking Awareness Week (April 24 – 28).

TVP claim to have seen a 65% increase in formal actions taken against all stalking offences in comparison with the previous 12 months. Formal action is when a suspect is charged, cautioned or given a community resolution for an offence they have committed.

This increase came after several measures were put in place to combat stalking. Each local policing area now has a Stalking Tactical Advisor who has been trained by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a harassment and stalking charity.

TVP Stalking Advocates are supporting stalking victims through the Thames Valley Stalking Service delivered by Aurora New Dawn, a charity that supports victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.  

Thames Valley Police lead for domestic abuse and stalking, superintendent Kelly Gardner, said: “Thames Valley Police is determined to do everything we possibly can to serve victims, bring abusers to justice and prevent further offending. This is why we have implemented stalking tactical advisors, coordinators and advocates while also furthering training for our officers on how to implement Stalking Protection Orders.

"As a result, we have seen a 21% increase in the number of stalking offences resulting in a charge. We are also making better use of all our legal powers and closely monitoring performance of officers and teams, as well as continuing to work with our partners and stakeholders, such as support services, to ensure the Thames Valley is a safe place for all.” 

The number of people convicted at court of stalking offences have increased to 421 and an extra 97 cases that have resulted in a court appearance in comparison with the previous 12 months.

The number of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) in place within the force has doubled since September 2022. An SPO is intended to protect people from experiencing stalking. It allows early police intervention, pre-conviction, to address stalking behaviours before they escalate in severity, and to protect victims from serious harm. 

CEO of Aurora New Dawn, Shonagh Dillon, said: “Stalking and harassment behaviours can have a lifelong effect on a person, even if they are only experienced for a short period of time. These behaviours are intended to cause a person significant distress and we are so pleased to be working with Thames Valley Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide this specialist support service and to be contributing to improvements for victims in this area.”

If you are, or know someone who is, being stalked or harassed, visit the Thames Valley Police website for a list of organisations who can assist you.