This National Stalking Awareness Week, agencies are being asked to ‘Join Forces Against Stalking’ and work together to effectively support victims of stalking.
Alice Ruggles Trust is partnering with Durham Constabulary and the Office of Durham Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver assemblies across schools in County Durham and Darlington to foster generations of young people who understand stalking, the potential risks of stalking, and what they can do about it.
These 30-minute assemblies, which are being delivered to schools free of charge by PCSOs and volunteers, help students begin to recognise what stalking is and understand that it should be taken seriously; know where to go for support or information if they think they are being stalked; and know how to help a friend or family member who they think may be at risk.
With support from agencies across the area, including Durham Victim Care & Advice Service and Harbour Support Services, the project aims to ensure young people within County Durham and Darlington are equipped with basic knowledge around stalking and know where to turn to for help.
The project launched in January 2024 and has already reached over 300 students. Each student is asked to complete a pre-assembly survey and a post-assembly survey. Across the complete pupil responses to date, there is a significant shift from stalking being considered ‘watching’ to unwanted, repeated behaviours. Messages about contacting the police were received well. Importantly, students recognise stalking as a serious crime.
Speaking about the project Prof. Clive Ruggles, co-founder and Chair of the Alice Ruggles Trust, said:
“Changing the mindset of today’s young people is vital if we are to tackle stalking in the longer term. We are so proud of this work and so pleased to be working in partnership with Durham Constabulary and Durham PCC to try and prevent what happened to Alice happening to others.”
The Alice Ruggles Trust, established in 2017 after the tragic murder of Alice, is a charity that educates young people about stalking. It aims to prevent what happened to Alice happening to others by fostering generations of young people who understand stalking, the potential risks of stalking, and what they can do about it.
More Information about the assemblies can be found here: https://alicerugglestrust.org/assemblies To request a volunteer to deliver an assembly, please contact us via our schools enquiry form at https://alicerugglestrust.org/schools-enquiry/.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
