A pioneering new pilot project aimed at improving support for victims of stalking and harassment has launched in Merseyside.

The initiative has been funded by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and will be delivered by MDVS (the Merseyside Domestic Violence and Stalking service), a leading organisation in the field of stalking advocacy and support.

Stalking and harassment occurs when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that makes a person feel scared, distressed, or threatened, and can be perpetrated by men or women. A stalker is a person who persistently engages in behaviours intended to maintain contact with or exercise power and control over another person. This can involve fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repeated behaviour which causes distress, fear, and harassment to the victim.

Formally known as Chrysalis, MDVS has been established since 2003 and has provided trauma informed support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse for more than 20 years, including working with the PCC on a previous project to challenge the behaviour of men identified as potential perpetrators of domestic abuse. Since 2019, the organisation has supported a growing number of stalking and harassment victims.

Evidence from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s survey of victims also highlighted stalking and harassment as an increasing area of concern, requiring more support to be put in place.

By launching this new service, the Police and Crime Commissioner aims to ensure there is specialist support service for all victims of stalking and harassment.

As part of the new service, there will be a dedicated Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC) who will risk assess cases and provide quality support for victims.

The launch of this service supports the Police and Crime Commissioner and Merseyside Police’s Taking Action campaign, which sets out their commitment to tackling Violence against Women and Girls, bringing offenders to justice and supporting anyone impacted.

This campaign, which 1st launched in:- September 2024, highlighted that:- 60% of women in Merseyside lived in fear of being stalked, following a survey of more than:- 4,000 women and girls.

To mark the launch of the new support service, a range of marketing materials have been produced which highlight the:- ‘red flags’ of stalking and harassment, encouraging victims and their friends and family to report it and seek help.

It is also another step forward in the PCC’s region-wide plan for tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), which sets out a series of straightforward and achievable actions for agencies across Merseyside to deliver to help eradicate VAWG.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- “Stalking and harassment can have a devastating and profound impact on victims. Our research shows that incidents are on the increase, yet there is a gap in support for those affected. By launching this important new pilot, we’re focused on addressing that, providing specialist, tailored support to help protect victims and ensure they can live safely and without fear. I’m pleased to be working with MDVS to launch this service. With their experience, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by stalking and harassment. Supporting victims is a key commitment I’ve made through our Taking Action campaign, and as part of my region-wide plan for tackling Violence against Women and Girls, I am pleased to be delivering enhanced and expanded help and care for those who need it most.”

CEO of MDVS, Ayla Nasuh, said:- “We are proud to lead this important pilot, which marks a major step forward in how stalking is recognised and responded to across Merseyside. Stalking is a serious and often misunderstood crime that can affect anyone, regardless of gender or relationship to the perpetrator, and the harm it causes is often devastating and long lasting. At MDVS, we’ve spent many years developing a stalking specific response that’s grounded in survivor voice, risk expertise, and multi agency partnerships. This pilot enables us to build on that foundation, delivering specialist, trauma informed support for victims-survivors of all stalking typologies, and strengthening the systems around them so they’re not left navigating it alone. We’re grateful to the PCC for recognising the urgent need for this work and for investing in a model that centres safety, choice, and meaningful change.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds, Merseyside Police’s stalking lead, said:- “Stalking is a serious, distressing crime which can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims, their friends and family. Victims of stalking offences can quite rightly feel unsettled, distressed and isolated, which is why this pilot is so important to get the message out there that help and support are always available. I would encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim of stalking to report the offences to the Police. I want to assure those who do come forward that we will investigate reports thoroughly and with discretion, and our Officers will be on hand to provide safeguarding, support and reassurance.”