Innovative stalking provision recognised with major award

A health provider commissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, to work with perpetrators of stalking has been honoured for its work.

Last week, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (HIOW Healthcare), formerly Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, was honoured with the Challenging Behaviours accolade at the inaugural awards ceremony of The Alice Ruggles Trust, a leading UK charity that works to bring an end to stalking.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare is part of the Commissioner’s Multi-Agency Stalking Partnership (MASP).

The Partnership was launched in April 2023 following a successful bid led by the PCC to the Home Office of more than a million pounds of funding to combat stalking.

The intervention, which is psychologist-led, works with perpetrators of stalking to tackle the root causes of the behaviour, and is aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending. There is also support for victims of stalking.

The Partnership also involves Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Probation Service, and the Commissioner’s Stalking Advocacy and Support Service. These agencies work together to address stalking across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Together they have reviewed over 890 stalking cases since 2023, providing expert advice on investigations and the management of perpetrators.

Every intervention is tailored to an individual’s unique needs with victim safety at the heart of the programme. Since its launch in 2023, 47 people have been engaged with the programme. Sixteen have completed the intervention so far, and to date only three of these 16 have reoffended. In addition, the health team has trained over 1,400 criminal justice professionals in understanding stalking and worked with over 130 probation staff to improve responses to this impactful crime.

HIOW Healthcare’s Clinical Lead, Dr Kirsty Butcher, said: “Addressing the psychological issues that underlie stalking is vital in rehabilitating those who engage in stalking and preventing the creation of further victims. Our team work tirelessly to do this, and we are grateful to have our innovative work recognised by such an esteemed stalking charity as The Alice Ruggles Trust.”

If you need more information about stalking in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, visit the webpages for the Foundation Trust’s MASP service or the Stalking Advocacy and Support Service.