Aviva Community Fund provided £87 of match funding
Protection Against Stalking
Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom
Aim
We help victims of stalking to regain control of their lives, and to feel safe and secure in their own homes, workplaces and communities.
An introduction - At Protection Against Stalking, we believe every victim of stalking should have the relevant support and protection, including access to a specialist advocacy service. Research indicates early identification and intervention saves lives. We are a small volunteer-led, person-centred organisation with one part-time salaried Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker. We are passionate about supporting our clients and many of our volunteers have had their own personal experiences and understand the fear and intimidation that happened to them or their families. We support people anywhere in the country through our helpline but most of our advocacy referrals come from Kent, where we are based.
What is stalking?
“ a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim”
Stalking is an insipid crime that pervades all areas of the victim's life. It can affect personal safety, relationships at home and at work, the ability to work, the need to move locations and has significant effects on mental and physical wellbeing. Sadly in some cases, victims suffer the ultimate loss, their lives. Our co-founders Tricia (pictured) and Carol found that out first-hand when both their daughters were murdered in public, in broad daylight by their respective ex-partners.
Stalking doesn't discriminate. It can happen at home, in the community and increasingly, in the workplace. The statistics are startling:
- 94% of domestic homicide victims were stalked before being murdered
- 1:5 women & 1:10 men will be stalked at some point in their life
- c100 stalking events experienced before being reported to the police
- violence occurs in an c30-40% of cases
- 54% of cases linked to domestic abuse
- 57% experienced stalking during or at end of a relationship
- 80% of victims with ensuing PTSD
- Cyber stalking is now more common than physical harassment
What is the problem now? During lockdown, there has been 50% increase in calls to Protection Against Stalking. The emerging trend is that more people are being stalked online, bombarded by messages on their email, phones and social media. Others still have stalkers coming to their home which is doubly frightening given the social distancing guidance. Our homes are meant to be a place of sanctuary, where we feel safe and protected.
Anne said "I am frightened because of the virus and on top of this worried that my stalker might turn up. Just knowing you are there for me makes all the difference"
We offer our clients belief in their story and an understanding listening ear. We provide help with protection planning, legal processes, referrals to wraparound services and cybersecurity. We can't fix the whole situation but if we get in early, we can prevent tragedy and help our clients on the road to recovery which often includes counselling.
The impact of our work is that we give people back their lives and save lives; we restore feelings of safety and wellbeing and raise awareness of the nature of stalking behaviours so they can be identified early by services such as the police, health and social care and workplaces.
So how can you help us? The recent rise in referrals means that our volunteers need more professional support than ever. £2500 will allow us to provide an additional 60 hours supervision for our amazing volunteers from a specialist Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker to ensure they feel supported to give the right advice and help to their clients. The more we can raise, the more can do to provide a professional , high quality service.
YOUR HELP will make a big difference!
This project successfully funded on 24th July 2020