New Pilot Project to Support High-Risk Stalking Victims Launched in Dyfed-Powys
A pioneering new pilot project aimed at improving support for high-risk victims of stalking in the Dyfed-Powys area has officially launched today.
The initiative, funded by the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner PCC Dafydd Llywelyn, will be delivered in collaboration with Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service, a leading organisation in the field of stalking advocacy and support. The project represents a significant step forward in addressing the needs of stalking victims within the region.
Paladin, established in 2013, is a trauma-informed service dedicated to supporting high-risk victims of stalking across England and Wales. Their team of accredited Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) offers specialist advice, advocacy, and support, ensuring that victims are protected, and their voices are heard throughout the often complex and challenging criminal justice process.
According to recent statistics, approximately 1.8 million people experience stalking in the UK each year, with one in five women and one in ten men being affected. Stalking can have a profound impact on the lives of victims, instilling fear and anxiety that disrupts their daily lives and compromises their sense of safety.
The pilot project in Dyfed-Powys will focus on several key areas:
1. Direct Support: A full-time ISAC will be appointed to provide expert advocacy and support to high-risk stalking victims. The service will offer one-off advice to lower-risk cases, ensuring comprehensive support is available to all victims, regardless of their circumstances.
2. Training and Capacity Building: Paladin will deliver specialist training to professionals across multiple agencies in the region, including the Dyfed-Powys Police. This training aims to enhance local understanding of stalking, ensuring that victims receive appropriate and timely support from all sectors involved in their care.
3. Raising Awareness: The project will also work to increase awareness of the dangers of stalking across the community, helping to identify and support victims who may otherwise remain unnoticed.
PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said, “This pilot project with Paladin represents a vital step in our efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. By bringing Paladin’s expertise to Dyfed-Powys, we are ensuring that high-risk victims of stalking receive the support they need to live safely and without fear.”
Louise, Chief Operating Officer of Paladin, said, “We are pleased to partner with the Dyfed-Powys Police Force and the PCC on this important project. Our goal is to provide essential support and advocacy for high-risk stalking victims and to enhance local professionals' understanding and response to stalking. This pilot aims to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by stalking.”
The project will initially run as a pilot, with the potential for future expansion based on its success. The ISAC will be based at Paladin’s head office but will provide support remotely, ensuring accessibility across Dyfed-Powys.
For victims of stalking or those seeking advice, visit http://www.paladinservice.co.uk for more information or to get in touch with their support team.
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Article Date: 02/09/2024