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
The Police and Crime Commissioner to award £24,430.50 to the Victim and Witness Care Unit to fund a part-time dedicated stalking advocate until the end of March 2024.
Police and Crime Commissioner Approval
I approve the recommendation(s):
Signature: Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey (Wet signed copy held at Commissoner’s Office)
Date: 09 December 2022
All decisions must be added to the decision register.
Areas of consideration
Financial implications
No implications
Legal
No legal implications
Risks
No risks
Equality and diversity
No implications
Risks to human rights
No risks