Public agencies across Cumbria are highlighting the support and advice available to people who may be suffering from stalking or harassment.
They are shining the spotlight on what people can do to seek help as the issue receives additional national focus in the form of a week of awareness this week.
Stalking or harassment is when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes people feel scared, distressed or threatened.
It can come in many different forms – and can include domestic abuse or cyber stalking.
Agencies including Victim Support, the county’s local authorities, the NHS, the county's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen and Cumbria Police are all highlighting advice and support throughout National Stalking Awareness Week.
The week, initiated by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and running until Friday, provides an annual platform to raise awareness of stalking, how to report it and the support services available.
Police are keen for people to know that while offences will always be investigated, there is also an alternative to the court process for those just aiming to seek help.
Detective Inspector Kathryn Smyth said: “Becoming a victim of stalking can happen to anyone – but nobody should have to suffer these offences.
“It not only affects the victim, it can also affect their family and friends.
“The unwanted, repeated attention can have a serious impact on people’s physical or mental health, as well as their day-to-day life.
“Some people who have been stalked or harassed have had to make changes to their daily lives; some have changed jobs or moved house.
“Understanding what type of stalking behaviours there are can inform people and help them come forward and report any concerns to the police as soon as problems happen.
“Services such as Victim Support can support people through traumatic events such as this – and we can help point people in the right direction.”
What is stalking and harassment?
Stalking or harassment is when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes you feel scared, distressed or threatened.
Stalking and harassment are very similar offences.
Harassment may include:
- Sending abusive text messages or images.
- Posting abusive messages on social media.
- Neighbour disputes that involve abusive behaviour or damage to property.
- Repeated antisocial behaviour.
- Making unwanted or offensive phone calls.
It is harassment if the unwanted behaviour has happened two times or more and made you feel distressed or threatened.
Stalking is a form of harassment. But the stalker will have an obsession with the person they're targeting and their repeated, unwanted behaviour can make the victim feel distressed or scared.
Stalking may include:
- Following someone.
- Going uninvited to their home.
- Hanging around somewhere they know the person often visits.
- Watching or spying on someone.
- Identity theft (signing-up to services, buying things in someone's name).
- Writing or posting online about someone if it's unwanted or the person doesn't know.
It is stalking if the unwanted behaviour has happened two times or more and made you feel scared, distressed or threatened.
Online stalking or harassment
Online stalking or harassment is when someone monitors, stalks, harasses, threatens, controls or impersonates another person using the internet or other technology.
Online stalking or harassment may include:
- Monitoring someone’s internet use, email or other electronic communication.
- Someone sending you photos of genitals without your permission.
- Getting access to someone's email and social media accounts.
- Spamming and sending viruses.
- Stealing someone's identity.
- Threatening to share private information, photographs, copies of messages.
- Adding tracking software to someone's devices.
Danielle Thomson, Team Leader for Multi Crime and Stalking at Victim Support, said: “In 2024, Cumbria Victim Support launched an Independent Stalking Advocacy Service to provide dedicated, confidential support for individuals experiencing stalking.
“The service is delivered by a team of specialist Independent Stalking Advocates (ISACs) and offers personalised risk assessments, tailored safety planning, and comprehensive advocacy for all victims of stalking.
“As part of this initiative, we have worked closely with partner agencies to establish a new Multi-Agency Stalking Co‑ordination Panel for high‑risk stalking cases across Cumbria.
“This forum enables agencies to share information, coordinate responses and develop effective, multi‑agency strategies to manage risk, safeguard victims and address perpetrator behaviour.
“Through collaborative working, the panel has strengthened our collective response to stalking and contributed to tangible improvements in victim safety and wellbeing.
“Early outcomes indicate a positive impact for victims in Cumbria, including increased feelings of safety, improved access to support and more robust management of high‑risk cases.
“Cumbria Victim Support is committed to continuing and strengthening our support for victims of stalking.
“We recognise the serious and lasting impact stalking can have, and we remain focused on providing timely, trauma‑informed and victim‑centred support.
“Building on the success of the Independent Stalking Advocacy Service, we will continue to work closely with partner agencies to manage risk effectively, improve responses to perpetrator behaviour and ensure victims feel supported, heard and safer.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Stalking and harassment are serious offences that can have a life-altering effect on victims and their families.
“I’d urge anyone that is being stalked to report it to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. However, I know that this isn’t the right path for everyone.
“This is why I commission Victim Support in Cumbria. They provide tailored support to victims of any crime types and work with them to achieve the best outcome for the individual whether they report to the police or not. You can contact them at www.victimsupport.org.uk/cumbria or at 0808 1689 111.
“I also have a Victims Hub on my website for other support services. Please do not suffer in silence, you are not alone and there are people around who want to help so please reach out.”
Andrew Davis, Service Manager at Adult Social Care at Westmorland and Furness Council said: “Westmorland and Furness Council is proud to support Stalking Awareness Week.
“The week highlights the impact of stalking, raises awareness of the sign, and encourages anyone affected to seek help.
“Stalking is a serious crime that can have a devastating and long‑lasting effect on victims and their families.
“We are committed to working with partners to promote awareness, improve understanding and ensure that people know where to find confidential advice and support.”
Rebecca Maidment, Head of Safeguarding at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “NCIC safeguarding takes an active role in the Multi-Agency Stalking Committee and supports Stalking Awareness Week alongside the police, victim support and other partner agencies in helping victims of stalking.
“We are ideally placed to identify and support victims of stalking, particularly where this affects their physical and mental health.
“We signpost victims to partner agencies such as the police, victim support and external agencies such as the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.”
A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council Children’s Services said they fully support and routinely attend the Multi-Agency Stalking Coordination (MASC) meetings.
They added: “Exploring stalking cases within a dedicated multi-agency forum is essential to effectively support victims and their children and reduce the harm caused by high‑risk perpetrator behaviours.
“The consistently strong attendance at these fortnightly meetings is reassuring and demonstrates a shared commitment across agencies to take stalking seriously and work collaboratively to reduce risk and harm.
“Stalking has a profound and long‑lasting impact on individuals and their families’ lives.
“Raising awareness of its effects is vital to ensure that appropriate support is visible, accessible and available to anyone affected.”
Tackling stalking with SmartWater technology
Police in Cumbria can give victims of stalking a forensic marking tool, with the aim of deterring perpetrators of such abuse and helping convict abusers if a case reaches court.
The tool is a canister containing a uniquely coded forensic marking solution, known as SmartWater.
This can be handed out to victims with the aim of making perpetrators think twice before carrying out offences.
The marking substance can be sprayed on the perpetrator if they approach them.
The liquid is not visible to the naked eye – but glows under ultraviolet light.
Each canister has a unique code so it can be traced back to specific victims and abusers.
SmartWater will stay on clothing and skin for several weeks, allowing officers to prove contact between the two parties.
It will act as another investigative tool in putting together a criminal case.
Reporting stalking
Call 101 to report stalking in a non-emergency. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Further advice available here: Stalking and harassment | Cumbria Police