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Practical advice for professionals in responding to stalking

WHAT IS STALKING?

Stalking is “a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive & causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim.” (Suzy Lamplugh Trust, 2016).  It is unwanted contact that occurs over a period of time and targets one (or sometimes more) individuals. It differs from harassment in that someone engaging in stalking has an obsession with, or a fixation on, the individual or group that they are targeting.

THE FIVE TYPES OF STALKING

Not all stalking behaviour is motivated by or caused by the same thing.  A useful way to understand the different types of stalking behaviour is by using Mullen et al’s typology (Mullen, Pathe & Purcell 2009).  This proposes 5 types of stalking:

  1. Rejected
  2. Resentful
  3. Incompetent suitor
  4. Intimacy seeker
  5. Predatory

For more information see: Types of Stalking | Stalking Risk Profile

WHEN SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT RISK OF VIOLENCE IN A STALKING CASE?

Stalking is an offence which causes profound and life-changing psychological distress in its victims, so violence is not the only associated risk. However, there IS a heightened risk of violence occurring within a stalking episode.

Mackenzie et al. (2009) in their ‘Stalking Risk Profile, guidelines for the assessment and management of stalkers’ (see: https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/stalking-risk-profile ) identified the following 6 ‘red flag’ risk factors:

  1. Suicidal ideation
  2. Homicidal ideation
  3. Last resort thinking / ‘end of tether’ language
  4. High risk psychotic symptoms – this includes the psychotic belief that someone is threatening to cause the individual significant harm, or beliefs that make the person feel that their self-control has been removed (for example, hearing voices instructing them to harm someone).
  5. Psychopathy
  6. Victim fear (within the rejected group) – if the victim is reporting fear of serious harm or death.

If these factors are present, then there may be a high risk of imminent violence and additional assessment, or monitoring should be considered.

In addition, the following risk factors indicate heightened risk of violence and / or persistence of the stalking behaviour:

  • Threats of violence – 50% of people engaging in rejected stalking act on these
  • Approach behaviours; this indicates a heightened effort by the individual to make contact
  • History of violent and / or stalking behaviour
  • Mental health difficulties
  • Problematic substance misuse
  • Unavoidable contact e.g. location / shared children
  • Unauthorised entry into victim’s home
  • Increasing psychosocial damage to service user e.g. significant losses

(From 7- minute briefing – Stalking, Hoskyns & Underwood, HMPPS)

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO A SERVICE-USER WHO HAS ENGAGED IN STALKING?

It can be anxiety provoking to work with people who have engaged with this behaviour, it’s normal to think about whether they pose a risk of stalking you, or to feel unsure how to help them to stop this behaviour.

The first thing to consider is why they stalked in the first place, just as you would when working with another offence-type.  What was the relationship with the victim? (e.g. ex-partner, professional in power, associate who the person was attracted to); What were the underlying risk factors? (sensitivity to rejection due to many broken attachments in childhood, feel disempowered and unheard, poor social functioning and loneliness); And what triggered the stalking (e.g. end of a relationship, feeling dissatisfied with complaints procedures, wanting a relationship, mental ill health).  All these factors can inform your risk assessment and guide what interventions may be helpful.

ENGAGING WITH A SERVICE-USER WHO HAS ENGAGED IN STALKING

  • Set clear boundaries (behaviour, time/length of session, contact outside of sessions)
  • Be mindful that obsessive behaviour may be entrenched & progress slow
  • Be aware of power imbalance and avoid jargon
  • Normalise talking about emotions & validate feelings of loss, without letting the individual consume the whole session talking about the victim
  • Develop a trusting relationship in which they feel safe enough to tell you if they feel urge to contact victim

USEFUL INTERVENTIONS WITH A SERVICE-USER WHO HAS ENGAGED IN STALKING

Help them to build a life outside of stalking:

  • Purposeful activities are key to providing structure, occupation, and social interaction (this counteracts obsession and rumination)
  • Employment
  • Hobbies
  • Social support
  • Be mindful that the activity/job does not bring them into contact with victim

Education on what constitutes stalking and legal consequences of breaches.

Emotional regulation work – How could they respond to their emotions in a way that does not involve contacting victim?

Address rumination: emphasise the costs of ruminating in terms of time and emotional investment. Ask how useful it is to continue to ruminate upon the victim, how is this adding to their life? For free mindfulness resources: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/events-and-resources

Offence chain analysis

Identify potential high-risk situations, e.g. when feel alone/depressed, birthdays, anniversaries, court dates

Develop a structured plan to avoid/cope with triggers for stalking.

Refer to external agencies for mental health/substance misuse/neurodiversity issues

The following guides provide more information: Working with individuals who have engaged in stalking | BPS

PERSONAL SAFTEY WHEN WORKING WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENGAGED IN STALKING

Working with people who have engaged in stalking can be exhausting and anxiety provoking

Use supervision to discuss any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable

Don’t reveal anything about your personal life

Keep your social media private – google/facebook self, take steps based on how easy you are to find

Explain the boundaries of all contact with service user at the outset of involvement.

If they contact you outside of supervision session incessantly, this is offence paralleling behaviour.  Develop a communication contract – when/how contact is made & consequences for not adhering.

Pay close attention to the ending of the professional relationship to avoid triggering feelings of rejection/ abandonment & subsequent feelings of helplessness, depression, and anxiety.

If you think they are stalking you:

  • Work with your organisation – inform your manager, formal letters from management requesting cessation of contact.
  • Keep a diary of incidents (no matter how small or strange) that includes what happened, when, who else witnessed it and how it made you feel.
  • Take screenshots of or record any digital evidence you may have.
  • Trust your instinct.
  • Don’t be hesitant to call police.

For tips on personal safety: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/personal-safety-advice

THE MULTI-AGENCY STALKING PARTNERSHIP IS HERE TO HELP

The Multi-Agency Stalking Partnership (MASP) is a collaborative service involving Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Probation, and Stop Domestic Abuse (victim advocacy). It aims to address stalking by adults who live in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  The health team within MASP provides Psychologist led stalking intervention to people engaging in stalking. To find out more see: Stalking (Multi-Agency) Partnership :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

PSYCHOLOGIST LED STALKING INTERVENTION (PLSI)

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare team within MASP work with people who have engaged in stalking.  Often this brings with it difficulties with obsessive thoughts about others that are hard to stop or difficulties moving on from a relationship or dispute.  We offer a range of interventions to help individuals find ways to cope, discover new ways to build a life of value, and ultimately to desist from further stalking.

All our interventions are delivered by a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare psychologist and available face to face or via videolink over 9 to 12 weekly sessions. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: MASP professionals :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

I AM A POLICE OFFICER, HOW CAN I REFER IN TO MASP?

I AM A PROBATION PRACTITIONER, HOW CAN I REFER IN TO MASP?

SAFETY PLANNING WITH VICTIMS

Safety Planning at work/education

 

What the stalker may do?​ Safety planning tips​ Evidence gathering​
  • Follow you to, from and around the location.​
  • Contact colleagues and friends about you.​
  • Show up.​
  • Contacting by text, phone or email whilst at work or in education​

  • Give picture of stalker to friends at work or school etc.
  • Consider changing routes to work/ college​
  • Adjust hours if possible.​
  • Have a colleague walk you to and from the car/bus stop.​
  • Ensure work and education aware to not provide your number to anyone.​
  • Any protective orders – ensure this is shared with bosses/ teachers.​
  • Save any texts / voicemails.​
  • Making use of CCTV at work, ensure bosses/security are saving this as evidence. ​

 

 

Safety planning at home

What the stalker may do?​ Safety planning tips​ Evidence gathering​
  • Follow you to, from and around your home.​
  • Invade your home​
  • Damage property.​
  • Hack into wireless networks or home devices​
  • Disconnect power / Internet.​
  • Send gifts / email / calls and text.​
  • Install camera to monitor.​
  • Inform neighbours about situation. Ensure description and photos is shared.​
  • Pack emergency bag with important documents incase need to leave quickly.​
  • Identify escape routes and ensure children are aware.​
  • Change locks and upgrade security systems.​
  • Consider installing own camera to capture evidence.​
  • Photograph property damage​

 

 

Safety planning around technology

What the stalker may do?​ Safety planning tips​ Evidence gathering​
  • Contacting by text, phone or email.​
  • Tracking / monitor through GPS, Spyware and/or social media.​
  • Set up fake social media accounts.​
  • Hack into online accounts.​
  • Share personal and private images with each other.​
  • Film the victim without consent.​
  • Update passwords​
  • Change answer to security questions so stalker cannot reset password.​
  • Location setting off- only have on for app like Hollie Guard.​
  • Complete internet search of name to ensure no personal information has been posted.​
  • If worried about Spywear use a different device​
  • Download Avast app​
  • Screenshots of internet communication.​
  • Get second camera to capture disappearing messages or might notify sender if screenshot taken.​
  • Phone records from provider to show volume of calls.​
  • Document all incidents​

STALKING EVENT - RESOURCES AND LINKS

Catherine McLaughlin
Director of Services and Development
Suzy Lampugh Trust / National Stalking Consortium

 

Useful links
Super Complaint: Super-complaint submitted on police response to stalking | Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Super Complaint Response: Super-complaint on the police response to stalking – GOV.UK

Contact details
catherine.mclaughlin@suzylamplugh.org

 

Dr Kirsty Butcher, CPsychol, AFBPSS, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Clinical Lead, Multi-Agency Stalking Partnership, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

 

Contact details
Kirsty.butcher@southernhealth.nhs.uk

 

Website link
https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/multi-agency-stalking-partnership

 

Daniel Lodge BSc (Hons), MSc (Dist), GMBPsS

 

Contact details:
daniellodge.edu@gmail.com
https://x.com/DanielALodge
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lodge-318649252/

 

Research link
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0647-631X

 

Rachel Worthington, PhD

 

Contact
r.worthington@mmu.ac.uk

 

Links to bio/publications/podcasts
Dr Rachel Worthington | Manchester Metropolitan University

 

Laura Jenking-Rees, Crown Prosecution Service

 

Contact details
laura.jenking-rees@cps.gov.uk  CPS Wessex, Crown House, Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth PO1 2PJ

 

Useful links

 

Paul Masters
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Digital Change Programme

 

Contact details
paul.masters@hampshire.police.uk