Intimate Partner Stalking
MDVS was the first organisation in Merseyside to introduce a specialist response for victims of stalking. MDVS is lucky enough to have its own accredited Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC).
The service is based around a ‘whole family approach’.
The facts:
- On average, a victim will suffer over 100 incidents of stalking before they report it.
- From the age of 16, approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will experience stalking.
- 46% of stalking cases are committed by ex-intimate partners.
- People stalked by an ex-partner are at greater risk of serious harm.
We know that many places across Merseyside have very high incidences of stalking.
Our services are built around our understanding of the impact of stalking on victims, as well as managing risk. The list below is not taken from research, but from the experiences of victims that we have worked with. Stalking is crippling and debilitating and we are here to help.
Stalking can often go on for many years and have a devastating impact on the victim’s life. These are some of the things victims of stalking experience:
- Guilt, embarrassment, and blaming themselves
- Terror of being alone and ongoing fear
- Isolation and helplessness, due to the fear of going out or using the phone
- Effects on sleep and nightmares
- Anger and frustration
- Emotional numbness
- Homicidal thoughts.
How can we help?
Trained & Experienced Support Coordinator
Our specialist Support Coordinator will:
- Listen and validate your concerns and experiences.
- Ensure that a through risk assessment takes place, so that we can support you in any way you need.
- Jointly develop a ‘Safety Plan‘ and put measures in place so that the plan works for you and your family, e.g., panic alarms, easy reporting, personal alarms, phone apps, CCTV.
- Work with other partners and agencies to keep you safe and manage the risk.
- Ensure you have a single point of contact for major agencies such as the police and ourselves.
- Work with you and other agencies to ensure that we have as much information about the perpetrator as possible.
- Help you apply for Protection Orders where necessary.
If you want help and support please ring the number below or email. If you are a friend or family member and are worried about someone you care for please do get in contact too.
Call 07802 722 703 or email info@mdvs.org.
If you are a professional who wants to make a referral to our service please email or phone as above.
In an emergency please call 999
For other support you can contact the National Stalking Helpline:
0808 802 0300
www.stalkinghelpline.org
Enquiry form
Open 09:30 to 20:00 Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9:30 to 16:00 Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.