Dorset Police release figures on how many stalking offences are domestic related

It follows Home Office data which reveals Dorset Police investigated a total of 1,085 stalking crimes across the county in 2020-21.

The force recorded 2,858 such offences since records began in 2014-15, including 621 between April and September last year, according to the latest available figures.

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However, separate figures show that many victims whose cases are investigated are unlikely to see justice done.

In January 2020, the Government introduced Stalking Protection Orders, which place conditions on a stalker's behaviour and allow police to intervene early to protect victims.

Figures which only cover the first year of the new powers show Dorset Police applied for fewer than five SPOs. In that time, none were issued, along with fewer than five interim orders, which can be made pending the outcome of a full application if there's an immediate risk of harm.

The Home Office cautioned one application might lead to more than one order being applied.

Different Home Office figures show 864 (82 per cent) of stalking cases closed by Dorset Police during 2020-21 were dropped due to difficulties gathering evidence, while 84 (eight per cent) resulted in a charge or summons.

Dorset Police said it has seen a rise in reported stalking offences, but said in April 2020 there were changes made to the way these offences were recorded, with harassment offences that are domestic related now recorded as stalking offences.

The force also said approximately 87 per cent of stalking offences in Dorset are domestic-related, meaning the offender is known to the victim.

Dorset Police detective superintendent Lindsay Dudfield said: "We offer safeguarding interventions and tools to protect victims of stalking.

"The impact this type of crime can have on a victim can be devastating and long-lasting and it's a priority for the force to safeguard victims and to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

"We acknowledge the rise in reports and will work to tackle this type of offence.

"Even where there's insufficient evidence in an investigation to secure a criminal conviction, there are safeguarding measures and support mechanisms we can put in place to support victims, while respecting their wishes.

"We listen to the voice of the victim and recognise not everyone wants a criminal justice outcome. There can be a range of complex reasons behind this and we don't underestimate the importance of listening and helping to ensure victims have access to the appropriate support, while respecting their decision to not go through the criminal justice process if deemed appropriate."

The National Police Chiefs' Council lead for stalking and harassment, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, said improved police response, increased reporting and more understanding of the extent of stalking behaviour had contributed to the national rise in recorded crimes.

But the Suzy Lamplugh Trust says while recent changes in law and procedures may have influenced the stark rise, stalking remains significantly underreported.

The anti-stalking charity and the NPCC have urged victims to report their 'life-changing' experiences and access support.

DCC Mills said the NPCC was working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to improve criminal justice outcomes for victims.

He added: "Stalking and harassment are serious crimes which can have a devastating effect on the lives of victims and their friends and family.

"The police service is committed to doing everything possible to bring offenders to justice."

Violet Alvarez, from the Suzi Lamplugh Trust, said the charity was dealing with more distressed clients requiring greater support since the outbreak of Covid-19.

She said calls to the National Stalking Helpline and reports of cyberstalking had increased.

She said: "Stalking is an incredibly prevalent crime with one in five women and one in 10 men experiencing stalking in their lifetimes."

England and Wales recorded nearly 100,000 stalking crimes in 2020-21.

Nationally, 98,544 stalking offences were reported to police in 2020-21 – the first year of new guidance requiring all cases of harassment reported between ex-partners to be recorded as stalking, unless the police were satisfied stalking was not a factor.

In comparison, there were 33,006 stalking crimes the previous year.

Forces across England and Wales had already recorded 60,000 offences in the six months to September 2021.