Working Without Fear

National Stalking Awareness Day on 24 April concentrated on the theme Working Without Fear.

The campaign was launched by the National Stalking Helpline to inform employers and employees about how to deal with the issue of stalking in the workplace.

Assistant Chief Constable and National Policing lead for stalking and harassment Garry Shewan said: “This year’s National Stalking Awareness Day focusses on stalking in the workplace.

“People should be able to carry out their everyday business without the fear of being harassed.

“Being stalked can not only affect your personal life, having to change house or prevent you from socialising but can also have a massive effect on your work life.

“Victims can be assured that reports are received with the utmost seriousness. If you are being made a target you should contact the police immediately on 101 or call the National Stalking Helpline 0300 636 0300. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

Stalking is repeated unwanted contact from one person to another which demonstrates either a fixation or obsession and causes the victim to feel alarm, distress or fear of violence.

Stalkers who are not related to the workplace often make contact with the victim there because of ease of access or simply in order to cause them further distress.

Rachel Griffin, Director of Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which manages the National Stalking Helpline and National Stalking Awareness Day, said: “The issue of stalking in the workplace is far more common than many people think.

“Research shows that in the UK, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men are stalked at some point in their lives (British Crime Survey 2011).

“Stalkers can be colleagues or clients - and of those stalkers who are not, 50% will still present themselves at the victim’s workplace.

“This creates risk not only for the victim but also their colleagues or manager who may have to interact with the stalker if they do turn up at the premises.”