Home Secretary Backs Launch of National Stalking Training Academy

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The first national stalking training Academy has been launched with the backing of the Home Secretary. It brings together some of the world’s experts in this field to help better understand this devastating crime and help train those trying to tackle it.

Stalking affects more than a million people in the UK every year (British Crime Survey 2009/10). It can lead to rape and murder. It can lead to victims taking their own lives. But in every case it steals lives.

The Network for Surviving Stalking has teamed up with The Safety Net Associates Group to offer a comprehensive training programme. It is backed by a team of advisors and consultants with years of expertise in this field – from the areas of law, psychiatry and victims themselves.

The National Stalking Training Academy can be found within the CSP Academy www.cspacademy.ac.uk, a unique and innovative learning platform designed to enable people from any background to access the highest standard of training and specialist qualifications.

Home Secretary Theresa May said:

“Stalking is a deeply disturbing crime with many victims living in fear for years – this has to stop.  That is why tackling stalking forms a key part of our action plan to end violence against women and girls. We welcome the new training programme which will help improve understanding of stalking and most importantly ensure that all agencies treat it as a serious issue.”

ACPO stalking lead Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said:

"We are all too aware that the experience of being stalked can destroy the lives of victims. The Training Academy will play a vital role whilst we continue to improve the response and understanding of this crime."

Psychiatrist Dr Lorraine Sheridan, said:

"For the first time, the very best experts from all the relevant disciplines have been gathered together to provide something that we have needed for many years. Stalking is little understood but suffered by many and this training is essential for all agencies involved in confronting this multi faceted crime."

Dr David James, Senior Psychiatrist and founder of  the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre, said:

"The most important current issue in combating stalking is the education of all professionals in the criminal justice and health sectors about the harm it causes and the importance of prompt intervention, prosecution and treatment. Any initiative which fosters progress in this direction is to be welcomed."

Alexis Bowater, Chief Executive of the Network for Surviving Stalking said:

“Training is absolutely vital to understanding and tackling this horrific crime. Stalking needs to be taken more seriously and early intervention is the key. We are delighted to be working with The Safety Net Associates Group to provide a comprehensive programme, open to everyone.”

Trevor Kennett, Group Chief Executive of The Safety Net Associates Group said:

 "We are pleased to welcome this initiative to the CSP Academy. Our goal in all of the fields we operate is to professionalise the individuals via structured education, training and advice, made accessible to all. We believe The National Stalking Training Academy has brought together the most comprehensive group of experts in this field and we are proud to be a part of it."

More than 1.2 million women and 900,000 men are stalked in this country every year

You are more likely to be a victim of stalking than of violent crime (British Crime Survey)

77% of victims wait until they have had more than 100 incidents of unwanted behaviour before they tell anyone about it

For a full list of the experts advising on this programme visit: http://www.cspacademy.ac.uk/NationalStalkingTrainingAcademy-OurPeople.htm

To find out more about the Stalking Training Academy http://www.cspacademy.ac.uk/NationalStalkingTrainingAcademy.htm

For more information and statistics on stalking please visit www.nss.org.uk

The Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Action Plan was launched on 8th March 2011 (International Womens’ Day)

www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/crime/call-end-violence-women-girls/vawg-action-plan

For more information about the National Stalking Training Academy please call 0845 299 7144 or email learning@cspacademy.ac.uk

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