Aurora New Dawn

Aurora New Dawn is a registered charity giving safety, support, advocacy and empowerment to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking.

Supporting victims of stalking

Stalking can consist of any type of behaviour, such as regularly sending gifts, making unwanted or malicious communication, damaging property and physical or sexual assault. If the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing fear, distress or anxiety, then it is stalking.

Many people who hear the word stalking still think of a stranger lurking in the shadows or a delusional fan following a celebrity.

However, 45% of people who contact the National Stalking Helpline are being stalked by ex-intimates (i.e. ex-partners).

A further third have had some sort of prior acquaintance with their stalker; for example been a friend, work colleague or gym buddy.

Stalking advocacy as part of the Hampshire Stalking Clinic

Sarah* and her partner were being stalked by her uncle because of his resentment that she had been left money after the death of a relative. The stalking included car damage, sitting outside the school of one victim’s children, pressing his face against a bus window and shouting outside the home address in the early hours of the morning and following family members.

The Police and Crime Commissioner funds Stalking Advocacy as part of the Hampshire Stalking Clinic.  Sarah was supported by the advocate who ensured she and her family members received the help they needed to cope with the impact the stalking had had on their lives, health and mental health.

Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, paranoia, agoraphobia and post-traumatic stress disorder are all common side effects of stalking,  It is essential that victims can access support services that help them to cope with the psychological distress Stalking can cause.

How To Get Help

The Stalking Advocacy and Support Service, run by Stop Domestic Abuse, began on 1 July 2023. Stop Domestic Abuse’s Stalking Advocates are on hand to offer free and confidential support, and the service is open to anyone across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

For advice, help and information call the Stop Domestic Abuse helpline on 0330 0533 630, email stalking@stopdomesticabuse.uk or visit www.stopdomesticabuse.uk/stalking

The National Stalking Helpline can also be contacted on 0808 802 0300 or email info@stalkinghelpline.org. In an emergency, call 999.

*name changed to protect individual’s identity