Author and Job Role: Lucy Thomas, Commissioning & Policy Lead for Victim Services
Protective Marking: OFFICIAL
Executive Summary:
Police & Crime Commissioners have the statutory responsibility to provide services to support victims cope and recover. Stalking is a complex crime and victims require dedicated ongoing support.
Background
Stalking is a prevalent and devastating crime experienced by 1 in 6 women and 1 in 10 men, affecting over 1.5 million people in England and Wales every year (Crime Survey England and Wales, 2020).
Stalking is widely recognised as a complex crime, requiring ongoing case management. Many victims of stalking cite a lack of understanding and confidence with regards to what steps to take, a gap which will be tackled by addressed with the provision of these posts.
Recommendation
A Stalking Advocate (1×35 hour) post to be embedded in East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS) to support victims of intimate stalking.
The Police and Crime Commissioner to award £22,029 to ESDAS to fund this post for an additional 6 months until end of September 2024.
Police and Crime Commissioner Approval
I approve the recommendation(s):
Signature: Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend (wet signed copy held at PCC Office)
Date: 25 January 2024
All decisions must be added to the decision register.
Areas of consideration
Financial implications
No implication
Legal
No legal implication
Risks
No risks
Equality and diversity
No implications
Risks to human rights
No risks