Author Archives: Victoria Charleston

The Value of PCCs

By Victoria Charleston | Thu 19th April 2018 - 7:15 pm

On Monday, 16th April, Suzy Lamplugh Trust launched a report looking at the police response to stalking in England and Wales.

Stalking is a devastating crime, affecting 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men across their lifetime. Victims can develop anxiety, depression and agoraphobia; 50 per cent of victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Many victims feel so concerned or fearful about what is happening that they feel the need to change their behaviour to feel safer, including not going out in public, reducing social outings, and moving home.

The report released on Monday is a repeat of research completed two years ago looking at recorded crime figures, and Police and Crime Commissioner funding for specialist services for the 1.1 million people who experience stalking every year in England and Wales. Indeed, Police and Crime Commissioners have access to a £68 million funding pot from the Ministry of Justice specifically to fund practical and emotional support services for victims in their area. Just 0.25% of that funding is spent on supporting victims of this nuanced and complex crime.