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North Wales PCC backs stalking awareness campaign

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Stalking Awareness Week logo

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has pledged his support for the National Stalking Awareness Week campaign, which is running from April 24-28. This year the campaign is focussing on supporting young people, under the theme ‘Standing Against Stalking’, following the increasing numbers of 16–24-year-olds who are contacting the Live Fear Free Helpline to seek support in how to deal with unwanted behaviour.

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes distress or fear. A person commits an offence if, on two or more occasions, they do something towards the other person, knowing or they ought to know, that will cause that person harassment or fear violence will be used against them.

During National Stalking Awareness Week, police forces, advocacy agencies and charities come together to raise awareness of stalking.

The heightened activity is headed up by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The trust was set up by Suzy Lamplugh’s parents Paula and Diana back in 1986 after the 25-year-old disappeared while she was working as an estate agent and showing a client round a house in Fulham.

Suzy’s body has never been found, but she has been presumed murdered and was legally declared dead in 1993.

The awareness week coincides with the publication of a booklet on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), jointly produced by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and North Wales Police, providing advice and where to go for help and support.

VAWG is any act of gender-based violence that is directed at a woman because she is a woman or acts of violence which are suffered disproportionally by women. The majority of VAWG is carried out by men against women and girls (although men can also experience violence or abuse).

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “I pledge my support for the National Stalking Week campaign and to raising awareness of this important issue. want all victims to know where to turn for help and support, and the new booklet on Violence Against Women and Girls is a hugely valuable way of finding out how to seek help, stop violence or abuse and make change happen.” 

North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “North Wales Police is committed to eradicating Violence against Women and Girls. Our mission is to make North Wales the safest place in the UK to work, live and visit. Please be assured that any reports made to us will be treated seriously and with priority.” 

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