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Today marks the beginning of National Stalking Awareness Week 2024, spearheaded by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
The week aims to raise awareness of the signs and different types of stalking as well as explain what support is available for victims and encourage victims to report incidents to police.
Stalking follows the pattern of FOUR – fixated, obsessed, unwanted and repeated. Any kind of persistent, unwanted contact that causes distress is stalking and is unacceptable.
This year, the theme is ‘Join Forces Against Stalking’, to demonstrate the importance of multi-agency working to protect victims.
Cleveland Police is joining UK forces and other organisations to ensure victims know how to access help and support.
Superintendent Helen Wilson said: “Stalking is a terrifying crime which often has a lasting impact on victims. It is something we take extremely seriously as a force and we will continue to do all we can to arrest offenders and protect victims.
“If you are being stalked or harassed please report what is happening to police. I want to reassure victims that every single report is investigated thoroughly by our officers and you will be listened to.
“There is also a range of orders which we can apply for to protect victims while any criminal investigation takes place including Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) and restraining orders.”
There is help and support available to anyone who is a victim of stalking, further info is available on the Cleveland Police website: Support for victims of stalking and harassment | Cleveland Police
You can also find out more about how to report stalking to police here: How to report stalking or harassment | Cleveland Police