Lucy’s introduction to the group was inspiring and well received by all. It was very evident from the start that Lucy has a great deal of knowledge, understanding and experience relating to stalking and is very passionate about her work.
Lucy is a Stalking Service Manager for Aurora New and is trained in the Stalking Risk Profile model of stalking risk assessment and management. Part of Lucy’s role within the Hampshire Stalking Clinic involves working with the Police, Mental Health, Crown Prosecution and Probation Services. Lucy also provides training on stalking nationally with partners in the United Kingdom.
The session began with Lucy briefly explaining the criminal aspect of stalking and how it also involves a unique set of behaviours. A group discussion followed relating to how one may perceive stalking, associated behaviours, and how both the stalker and the person being stalked may feel and interpret their experiences.
The main part of Lucy’s talk related to the five types of Psychology Stalkers:
- the Rejected stalker (experiences loss)
- the Resentment stalker (experiences a sense of injustice)
- the Incompetent suiter (socially inadequate/does not realise stalking is ‘bad’)
- the Intimacy seeking stalker (mental health issues e.g. schizophrenic/violence)
- the Predatory stalker (motivated by sexual deviation/rape/voyeurism)
Lucy was brilliant at explaining these types of stalkers and the psychological reasoning and behaviours behind them.
Lucy also mentioned another type of stalker – the Public Figure stalker: persons stalking well-known people like the Queen.
Interesting to learn that young people are also stalked.
Risks for victims who are stalked:
- Anxiety (most common mental health issue experienced)
- Isolation (staying connected on social media can reduce risk of social isolation)
- Suicide
- Questioning sanity
- Minimising impact of stalking
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of work/jobs
- Self-harm
(9) Relationship breakdown
(10) Moving home
(11) Complex Post Traumatic Disorder
It was suggested that many victims have 100 experiences of stalking before contacting the police – this is because the ‘experiences’ can be very subtle, vary from stalker to stalker and are often brushed aside by those surrounding the victim.
Helpful Information and links for research/reading were passed on to the group by Lucy:
- 2015 Police law relating to stalking
- CPS Guidance on Stalking and Harassment
- Protection of Freedom Act 2012
- Article about Dr Eleanor Aston on stalking
- South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU)
https://serocu.police.uk/individuals
- Typologies: https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/what-is-stalking/types-of-stalking.
- Aurora information:
https://www.aurorand.org.uk/services/help-stalker#.XYTU5PlKiUk
- Personal Safety information:
https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/personal-safety
- Cyber-safety/security information: https://serocu.police.uk/individuals/
- CPS guidance:
https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/stalking-and-harassment
I congratulate Lucy on her amazing talk on Stalking which was very impressive indeed and clearly enjoyed by the “full house” of delegates that attended! Her knowledge on her subject matter was outstanding as was her presentation to the group (and without a PowerPoint – what a refreshing change)! Well done to Lucy – an excellent and very enjoyable evening.
(Review by Pat Symons)