PSNI and Foyle Women’s Aid join forces for Derry stalking event
An awareness event at St Eugene’s Cathedral Parish Hall highlighted the importance of recognizing the FOUR signs of stalking
Police from Derry City & Strabane joined statutory and community organisations in the city on Thursday, April 30, for an event to raise awareness of stalking.
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted, repeated behaviour which can leave you feeling scared or distressed. You do not have to be threatened with violence to be a victim of stalking, and any kind of persistent, unwanted contact which causes distress is stalking.
Sometimes stalking behaviours can appear small in isolation, but when they are combined into a pattern which follows the FOUR mnemonic - Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted, Repeated - then you should record it, keep a log of evidence and report it before it escalates further.
Thursday's event, held in St. Eugene’s Cathedral Parish Hall, featured speakers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Foyle Women’s Aid, and the Foyle Women’s Information Network (FWIN). Attendees heard from each organisation, with informative and impactful inputs about how to recognise stalking behaviours, understanding the law in Northern Ireland, and accessing vital support services.
Attendees heard how stalking is defined in law, including the use of Stalking Protection Orders, and the role of police in identifying patterns of behaviour that often form part of wider coercive control and domestic abuse. Partner organisations provided insight into the lived realities of victims, highlighting the emotional, psychological, and practical impact stalking can have, as well as the importance of early intervention and reporting.
The event created a safe and supportive environment for open discussion, with participants engaging in conversations around personal safety, recognising warning signs, and understanding the pathways available for help and support. Frontline organisations also shared information on advocacy services, safety planning, and ongoing support for those affected.
Speakers and attendees at the event.
A Police Service spokesperson said: "Stalking is a crime, which will not be tolerated or accepted within our communities. Thousands of our officers and staff have now been trained to recognise and respond to these crimes and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to bring offenders to justice."
For further advice about spotting the signs of stalking and how to report it and seek support, visit https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/stalking-and-harassment.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are not sure if you are being stalked you can contact the National Stalking Helpline: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/pages/category/national-stalking-helpline or 0808 802 0300.
Spotting the signs (a non-exhaustive list):
- Getting unexpected visits to your home or place of work
- Having persistent phone calls, messages or contact over social media
- Receiving unwanted gifts or items turning up at your address
- Interfering or damaging someone's property, or breaking into their home
- Hanging around somewhere you know the person visits
- The stalker making contact with your family, friends and colleagues to gain information about you, or make complaints
- Verbal abuse and/or public humiliation
- Hacking into social media or your emails
- Spreading rumours/discrediting
- Threats made against the person, family, friends and pets
- Blackmail
- Seeking physical proximity by applying for jobs where the victim works; joining the same gym; church; professional/social sports groups or clubs; moving into the same neighbourhood or building
- Identity theft - pretending to be the victim
- Running up debt in the victim's name
- Planting spyware - viruses on the victim's computer/laptop
- Tracking location