'A step in the right direction': Domestic abuse charity responds to increased report figures
In the last 12 months, Wiltshire Police has recorded an 8% increase to reports of stalking and harassment cases.
Wiltshire's Domestic Abuse charity says it's a step in the right direction that more people are reporting concerns over stalking and harassment to Police.
In the last 12 months, Wiltshire Police has recorded an 8% increase to reports of stalking and harassment cases.
While the increase might indicate reason for concern, both the Force and FearFree have told us it suggests greater awareness and confidence in reporting such behaviours.
FearFree's Faye Roebuck said: "Stalking and harassment have historically been underreported, often because victims feel they won't be taken seriously or because they've normalised the behaviour over time.
"If more people are recognising these behaviours as unacceptable and reaching out for help, that's a step in the right direction."
She told us that while the charity embraced the increased reporting, the real goal is prevention and long-term safety for all.
Faye said the figures are reflective of an upward trend the charity is seeing of more people seeking support.
She told us the trend since April suggests more people are still coming forward for help.
"The upward trend tells us two things. Firstly, stalking remains a serious and growing issue that affects a wide range of people in different ways.
"And secondly, more individuals are recognising what's happening to them and feeling safe enough to seek support, which is something we highly value."
Stalking is an offence that can be highly personal, and take different forms, such as a bombardment of unwanted messages, being followed, tracked through technology and other behaviours that leave a person fearful and anxious.
Police improvements welcomed
Part of the rise in reported cases is down to improvements made by Wiltshire Police in handling cases, with internal training helping officers to distinguish stalking and harassment cases more independently.
Faye said the signs are encouraging: "When the frontline officers and investigators are better trained to spot these patterns, to ask the right questions and to link behaviours together, it makes a real difference to the victims experience and safety.
"It also means cases are more likely to be taken seriously from the outset and handled with the care and urgency they deserve."
She stressed it's critical the momentum is continued to maintain the public's confidence in policing.
"When someone experiences abuse. They're often at their most vulnerable and they may feel isolated, scared and unsure of where to turn.
"Knowing the police will listen, believe them and take their concerns seriously can be life changing confidence in the police encourages victims and survivors to come forward earlier, which can help prevent further harm," she said.