South Yorkshire Police are supporting national Stalking Awareness Week 2024 as conviction rates remain at a national level of 1.7%. 

Stalking is a serious crime wherein victims are subject to ‘fixated’ and ‘obsessive’ behaviours from perpetrators, in person or online, who are often people the victim already knows.

Force lead for Stalking, Chief Inspector Helen Lewis, said: “It has profound long-term harm on victims and in the most serious cases it can tragically end in the death of victims.” 

Although women are more likely to have experienced stalking, anyone can be a victim of stalking. With one in five women and girls, and one in 10 men. 

The awareness week is being led by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, who run the National Stalking Helpline and Advocacy Service, who offer help for victims across the UK. 

Emma Lingley-Clark, Interim CEO of Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said: “Victims of stalking have waited far too long for change.” 

The Trust stated the current criminal justice system is ‘failing victims are every step of the process’.

In a report released by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, there are concerns that vast gaps within available data that suggest victims are being ‘left in the dark’ and perpetrators are ‘free to continue stalking’. 

Ms Lingley-Clark added: “Without published data that allows us to track their journey through the criminal justice system there is no accountability.”

Stalking is not limited to in person, and can happen online too, as reports of cyber stalking have increased in recent years with the ‘prevalence of chat rooms, dating and gaming sites and social media’

If you or a friend are concerned you are at risk, you should report to the police.

Chief Inspector Helen Lewis added: “if you or someone you know is suffering, please speak out, tell someone you trust, and report to police so we can help you.”

South Yorkshire police have dedicated teams for ensuring that victims are ‘safeguarded and perpetrators are brought to justice’ including offering Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs).

Contact police on 101 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers.