Investigators Back National Action Plan to Strengthen Support for Stalking Victims
Dorset Police has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the response to stalking as national efforts gather pace to better protect victims and address offender behaviour. Marking Stalking Awareness Week, the force is highlighting both national progress and local initiatives aimed at tackling what is widely recognised as a complex and high-risk crime.
The renewed focus follows a 2022 super complaint submitted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium. The complaint raised serious concerns about how stalking cases were handled across policing, prompting a coordinated national response. Since then, organisations including the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council have worked together to implement a comprehensive action plan designed to strengthen investigations and victim support.
Dorset Police reports that progress is being made locally, with new investigative pathways and clearer guidance introduced to help officers respond more effectively. These measures are supported by ongoing collaboration with partner agencies to ensure a coordinated, victim-focused approach.
A key element of the force’s strategy is a stronger emphasis on tackling perpetrator behaviour. In partnership with BCP Council and the Safer BCP Partnership, Dorset has secured funding to introduce the Compulsive Obsessive Behaviour Intervention (COBI) programme. This specialist, forensic psychologist-led initiative is designed to address the root causes of stalking behaviour and reduce reoffending among the most high-risk individuals.
Detective Superintendent Helen Deakin, Head of Public Protection at Dorset Police, described stalking as “a complex and high risk crime” requiring consistent and coordinated action. She welcomed the national plan, stating it provides “clear direction” to strengthen efforts in protecting victims and managing offenders.
“As well as supporting victims and robustly tackling offences when they do occur, we also recognise the need to work with our partners to intervene early,” she said. “Through this work we can prevent further offending and ultimately provide greater protection.”
Deakin also emphasised that stalking can affect anyone, regardless of gender or background, and is often characterised by persistent, unwanted behaviour that causes distress. She urged anyone experiencing such behaviour to come forward.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick echoed these concerns, highlighting the long-lasting impact stalking can have on victims. He stressed the importance of early support and pointed to services commissioned through his office, including the Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC) programme delivered by You Trust/Paragon.
“The ISAC service is an essential lifeline,” Sidwick said. “It ensures victims are heard, supported, and guided through the criminal justice process while receiving practical and emotional help to stay safe.”
He added that collaboration between police, local authorities, and specialist services is central to improving outcomes, challenging offender behaviour, and ensuring victims receive the protection they need.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone affected by stalking or harassment to seek help. Incidents can be reported to Dorset Police online or via 101, while emergencies should always be directed to 999. Further information and support resources are available through the force’s website.
As national and local efforts align, Dorset Police says its focus remains clear: protecting victims, intervening early, and breaking the cycle of stalking behaviour.
