Hello

On White Ribbon Day (25th November) people around the world stand up and speak up against violence against women and girls (VAWG). This is one of the Government's top national risks to public safety and one of the key public priorities in my Police and Crime Plan for Sussex.

My commitment to tackling VAWG includes being the first PCC in the country to pilot perpetrator programmes to change the behaviour of stalking and domestic abuse perpetrators, to help stop re-offending.  Thanks to our successful pilots, perpetrator programmes are now in place across the country and I continue to fund and support these in Sussex.

In 2024/25 alone, more than 2,000 victims of stalking were supported by Veritas Justice – our dedicated advocacy service supporting people affected by stalking across Sussex by providing free and confidential advice. I have been pleased to fund Veritas for over 10 years - from their start-up helping up to 50 individuals in their first year, to the vital organisation we are lucky to have today.

Sussex Police was the first in the country to implement and lead the use of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) a powerful, court-mandated tool that imposes legal conditions on a perpetrator.

Through the proactive use of SPOs, survivors of stalking are receiving the security and protection they desperately need from their perpetrator. This allows them to start navigating their way back to ‘normal’ life and beginning the process of healing.

Thanks to my relentless focus, Sussex Police will use every available legal tool to manage persistent high-harm perpetrators and place immediate, court-mandated restrictions on their behaviour to improve the safety of all, especially women and girls.

Victoria’s experience (below) shows how stalking can devastate lives far beyond emotional harm. It affects every aspect of a person’s life, from their health to their sense of safety. This case really demonstrates the difference it makes when professionals work together, recognise the signs early and respond in a co-ordinated, trauma-informed way.

Helping survivors move from fear towards recovery

After a short relationship ended, Victoria found herself subjected to a frightening campaign of stalking. The behaviour escalated quickly - persistent contact, monitoring and unwanted attention that left her feeling constantly watched and unsafe.

What began as emotional distress soon became a serious health crisis. The sustained fear and anxiety caused her pre-existing condition to worsen, leading to hospitalisation and long-term health complications, including seizures. The stalking also left her exhausted, hypervigilant and struggling to sleep, affecting every part of her life and the wellbeing of her family.

Once professionals recognised the full extent of the harm - both physical and psychological - agencies worked closely together to ensure Victoria received the right support at the right time. Through Veritas Justice’s advocacy and partnership with health services and police, Victoria remained engaged with the criminal justice process and the police secured a Stalking Protection Order, providing vital safety and space to recover.

If you are being subjected to any suspicious or unwanted behaviour, no matter how minor it may feel, please report it to Sussex Police. They really are here to help and care.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner