Column piece by Councillor Bobby Bennett, Cabinet Member for Equality and Communities and Chair of the Safer Stronger Communities Board.
This week (25th – 29th April) is National Stalking Awareness Week.
As part of Suffolk’s commitment to preventing Violence against Women and Girls, we are raising awareness of this year’s campaign, “Bridging The Gap”. This campaign highlights the vital role that Independent Stalking Advocates play in bridging the gap between the victim and the criminal justice system. The role of an advocate ensures victims remain empowered and that their voice remains at the forefront of a case.
Stalking is a seriously distressing and potentially life-threatening crime that needs to be recognised. Victims of stalking often suffer long term psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress, and severe anxiety. With one in two stalkers carrying out a threat, we must all play a part in raising awareness of this devastating crime.
The acronym FOUR is a simple tool which can help us to identify stalking behaviours and support us to look out for our friends, family, neighbours and those around us. FOUR stands for; FIXED, OBSESSED, UNWANTED, REPEATED.
If you or someone you know is experiencing behaviours that are fixed, obsessed, unwanted and repeated, please seek support, by calling the Police on 101 or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger always call 999.
Stalking represents just one of the many forms of violence against Women and Girls that Suffolk County Council has pledged to prevent.
Earlier this year, Suffolk’s Safer Stronger Communities Board launched its 3-year strategy for Violence Against Women and Girls, which sits alongside the Government’s plan to reduce and prevent this type of crime, improve collaboration between services and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
The strategy is accompanied by an action plan, which has been informed by members of the board, local charities, and domestic abuse survivors. It is vital that the voice and views of people who have lived experience of these crimes informs the strategy and ultimately improves the experiences of victims and survivors in Suffolk.
The strategy is focused primarily on preventing Violence Against Women and Girls, as it is women and girls who are disproportionally victims of violence and abuse however, there is a continued commitment to ensuring services are available to all victims of violence and abuse.
Earlier this month, the council announced £350,000 of funding to support the ambitions set out in the Suffolk Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2022 – 2025.
We have launched this fund in partnership with Suffolk Community Foundation and organisations can apply for funding to support initiatives that are synonymous with the objectives of the strategy and aim to stop violence against women and girls. This includes, but is not limited to; domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, coercive and controlling behaviour, and revenge porn – all of which have a devastating impact on victim-survivors, families, and communities.
Organisations can make an application for funding for up to £5,000 for pilot projects or up to £50,000 for projects which have already been piloted. These grants are available for up to 3 years.
I’m heartened that we have already received a number of applications from organisations across Suffolk, for initiatives which will make a real difference in preventing violence, supporting victims and pursuing perpetrators.
Any organisations wishing to make an application can do so until 19th May 2022, by visiting the Violence against Women and Girls fund | Suffolk Community Foundation.
If you have questions about the fund, please contact Suffolk Community Foundation by email: [email protected] or telephone: 01473 602602.
We can challenge abuse when we see it. Even small acts can help stop violence against women and girls. We will not stop until every woman and girl in Suffolk feels safe in their community or at home.
We will be sharing more information and resources, including a podcast recorded by Suffolk’s Domestic Abuse Champions about the impact of stalking on victims, through our social media channels this week. Look out for this by following @SuffolkCC or searching the hashtag #StopStalkingInSuffolk.
