The South Eastern HSC Trust raises awareness about the devastating impact of stalking
Stalking is a crime and many people have experienced it, especially online.
The South Eastern Trust is highlighting the serious and often unseen impact of stalking on victims and has called for a continued collective action to tackle this scourge in our society.
The message was delivered at a seminar hosted by the Ards and North Down Sub Group of the South Eastern Area Domestic, Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership, marking four years since legislation providing greater protection for victims of stalking came into effect in Northern Ireland in April 2022.
Statistics presented at the event showed how in the 12 months from July 1 2025 to June 30 2026, stalking and harassment increased by 12.9 per cent in Northern Ireland. Recorded stalking reduced to 116 crimes from 126.
The seminar highlighted the significant and often hidden impact stalking can have on victims and the importance of recognising stalking behaviour and responding effectively.
Guest speaker at the event was the Suzy Lamplugh Trust Interim CEO, Emma Lingley-Clark. The Trust was established in 1986 following the disappearance of 25-year-old estate agent Suzy Lamplugh. Suzy left to meet a client and never returned.
Despite extensive efforts, she was never found and was eventually declared deceased after seven years in 1993.
During her presentation, Emma revealed how 77 per cent of victims suffer 100 incidents related to stalking before calling the police.
Emma said: “For me, it is good to think about where we are four years on, since the legislation came into effect.
“We have seen some progress, but I think what we really need to do now is say ‘Where do we want to be?’ How do we work collectively to ensure that the victim is getting the support that they need.
“I think what we have seen, when we look at the figures, is that things are happening, but it is very, very slow.
“What we would like to do as part of this conference is galvanise activity across all agencies to say that stalking is a priority.”
South Eastern Trust, Assistant Director Safeguarding and Family Support, Jason Caldwell said: “As Chair of the South Eastern Area Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership, this seminar is an opportunity for us to recap on our progress over the past four years.
“It will also help us to buckle down again in terms of what more can we do in this space, in Northern Ireland, as a collective group.”
PSNI Detective Superintendent, Kerry Brennan along with Public Prosecution Service (PPS) Domestic Abuse Lead, Caroline Conway delivered their presentation on how the stalking legislation is used by the PSNI and how the organisation and PPS work together to build robust cases and what happens when a case reaches court.
Detective Superintendent Brennan said: “Stalking is not a series of isolated incidents. It is a pattern of fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour which can have a profound effect on victims’ safety, wellbeing and freedom to live their daily lives.
“PSNI Officers will take reports of stalking seriously. Our focus is on identifying risk, preserving evidence at the earliest opportunity, safeguarding victims and taking action to disrupt offending.
“This can include investigation and prosecution, as well as applying for Stalking Protection Orders where these are necessary to protect someone from harm.
“Anyone experiencing stalking should not suffer in silence. Keep a record of incidents where it is safe to do so, retain messages or online communications, and report concerns to police.
“If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 999; otherwise, contact us on 101 or report online.”
The Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour helpline can be reached on 0808 802 1414.
The National Stalking helpline can be reached on 0808 8020300.
