Stalking Triage Centre aims high for improving response to stalking and harassment in GM

Supported and funded by GMCA as part of the drive to tackle gender-based violence, we have developed a Stalking Triage Centre in a bid to further improve service to victims of stalking and harassment.

The team will act as a support hub for police officers across Greater Manchester investigating these types of offences, offering advice on evidential opportunities, suspect strategies, safeguarding and victim engagement, to ensure our investigations are reasonable and proportionate, but most importantly, victim centric.

They will not only look at new stalking crimes reported, but also support with legacy offences to see if there are any new lines of enquiry and consider suitability for Stalking Protection Orders where the threshold for criminal prosecution cannot be met. 

In Greater Manchester over 80% of stalking and harassment reports are linked to domestic abuse. Our solved outcome rate for stalking, harassment and domestic abuse offences have increased in the last 12 months, compared with the same period the previous year, meaning more victims are getting justice. Additionally, approximately a third of all GMP arrests are for domestic abuse offences, including stalking, however, we understand that our journey to improving victim experience is far from over; this pilot is only the start.

Detective Chief Inspector Damian Simpson, GMP’s Stalking Lead, said: “Whilst the team is in its infancy, our aims are high for improving the quality of investigations and increasing positive outcomes for victims who report being stalked, or other offences that would suggest stalking is taking place.

“As well as assessing investigations and providing support to officers in this way, the team are already embedded in officer and staff training. This will ensure those on the frontline who are dealing with victims daily are able to effectively recognise risk, patterns, and the full breadth of tools available to them, such as civil orders, for getting justice.

“We couldn’t do the work that we do without the support from partners, however. We work closely with the Pankhurst Centre, GM Victims’ Service and other support agencies, to ensure that victims are receiving wrap around care, independently of any investigation, as we recognise how difficult reporting offences of this nature can be, and any subsequent criminal justice process.” 

A new service has also been piloted by GMCA to work with us and the Greater Manchester Victims Service, called Restore. For the last 50 years the Pankhurst Trust, incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid, has been providing support to victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, sexual abuse, stalking and harassment. Restore is an anti-stalking and harassment project for clients of ex-intimate partner or acquaintance stalking. The Pankhurst Trust works closely with us and GMCA to reduce risk and increase safety before helping to build resilience, confidence, and a path to a safer future. All keyworkers involved in Restore are trained specialists. 

The next steps are to increase capacity for support to victims, to ensure that we are using all the tools at our disposal to protect people, change perpetrator behaviours and keep people safe. In collaboration with Manchester University and the North West Economic and Research Council, a specialist PhD studentship has been funded for the next three years to ensure that there is a robust and independent evaluation process in place for this.

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Whether offline or online, stalking is a serious crime that disproportionately affects women and girls. Shockingly, one in five women and girls and one in 10 men experience stalking in their lifetimes. It is a crime that can shatter victims’ lives, and that is why we are fully committed to tackling it, bringing perpetrators to justice, and supporting those affected by it. 

“I am proud that we have been able to fund and support the creation of GMP's new Stalking Triage Centre through the Gender-Based Violence Strategy. The centre will enable the police to determine risks to victims earlier, and more effectively protect those suffering from stalking and harassment from further harm. I also welcome the greater link into our specialist support services, such as the Pankhurst Centre alongside Greater Manchester Victims' Services, again helping to ensure that those affected by stalking and harassment get access to the support they need and deserve.

“This only the start of our ambitions, and I want to see the Stalking Triage Centre fulfil its potential in the coming years, with increased victim support and the development of perpetrator interventions to reduce harm and offending.

“We remain committed to dealing with stalking and harassment as part of delivering our 10-year Gender-Based Violence Strategy. It is work like this that shows how Greater Manchester's partners and services are coming together to create innovative new ways to bring about swift and proper justice, while providing victims with the support and care they need.”

We are encouraging victims to come forward and report to us, however, wish to make it known that support is available whether you choose to speak with police or not.

Support for victims 

GM Victims’ Service stands firm in its offer of support to all victims and witnesses of crime, whether the crime has been reported to police or not. If you need support, reach out to them via the below contact details:

Call 0800 876 6155 (Saturday 9am-5pm / Monday to Friday 8am-6pm)

Email [email protected]