Good morning everyone! 

Stalking and harassment are serious crimes which can have a devastating impact, not only on those who are subjected to it but also their friends and family. Did you know, stalking can be identified by a pattern of FOUR? This stands for fixated, obsessed, unwanted and repeated. Any persistent, unwanted contact that causes distress is stalking and is unacceptable. This behaviour can be in person, such as visiting a home address or work, following someone, or leaving gifts. It can also be online, including unwanted texts, calls and emails.

This stalking awareness week, we want to make sure you know what can be done when it comes to stalking. If you believe you are being stalked, the main thing is that you speak to someone straight away. To talk to us about stalking, you can contact us on the following:

Call: If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

Online: How to report stalking or harassment | Derbyshire Constabulary.

If you are not ready to speak to us – that’s ok. The National Stalking Helpline is there and can offer support and advice. They are open from 9.30am-8pm Monday and Wednesday, and from 9.30-4pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Hollie Guard is an app that you can download to your mobile device which allows you to set up different safety methods and it updates your location every five seconds. You can set up an alert that will activate your phone camera and microphone and send an immediate alert to your saved emergency contact. Another feature is that you can add your journey to the app which will alert your emergency contact once you have arrived or if you have triggered an alert on your journey. 

For more information, visit the Derbyshire Constabulary website.