THE Southend, Essex, and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) is supporting National Stalking Awareness Week, running from 20 to 26 April, in partnership with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. This campaign is aimed at raising awareness about stalking and its effects on victims, their families, and communities.

This year’s campaign highlights the critical link between stalking and homicide. For many people experiencing domestic abuse, leaving a relationship is seen as the moment safety begins. But for a significant number of survivors, separation doesn’t mark the end of the abuse, it marks the beginning of a new, and often more dangerous, chapter.

When the stalker is a partner or ex partner

Stalking is repeated, obsessive and unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel scared, distressed or threatened. It can include persistent messages, unwanted gifts, online monitoring, surveillance and physical following.

While anyone can be a victim, intimate partner stalking is carried out by a current or former partner and is now recognised as one of the strongest predictors of domestic homicide. Unlike stalking by a stranger, intimate partner stalking is driven by a partner’s desire to maintain power and control. This can include turning up unexpectedly at home or work, monitoring online or social media activity, using tracking devices, repeated messages, calls or “check‑ins”, using children or friends to pass messages or gather information and misusing the family courts or child contact arrangements. These behaviours aren’t random. They are deliberate attempts to continue exerting control long after the relationship has ended.

Why leaving can be the most dangerous time

Research by UK criminologist Dr Jane Monckton Smith OBE, shows that the period after leaving an abusive partner is often the most dangerous time for a survivor. When an abuser feels they are losing control, their behaviour can quickly escalate, putting the survivor at greater risk, with stalking frequently used to regain control.

Survivors frequently report long‑term impacts such as, constant fear and hypervigilance, changing routines, jobs or entire lifestyles, sleep disruption, anxiety and isolation, feeling unable to move on with life.

One Essex survivor described the impact intimate partner stalking had on her life:

“My life was hell during the relationship, and it somehow got worse after I left. I was jumpy, scared to leave the house, hyper‑vigilant. I’ve only felt relief now that I have the Non‑Molestation Order.”

A NonMolestation Order is a court order that protects someone and their children from an abuser by stopping them from threatening, harming, or contacting them.

Another survivor shared how the behaviour forced her to rebuild her life:

“I’ve had to look over my shoulder constantly. I changed my job, moved home, and changed my son’s school. Stalking affects every part of your life.”

Local data: what’s happening in Essex

Recent data available from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, reveals cases of stalking and harassment are increasing, with 18,164 incidents recorded in the 12-month period ending January 2026. National statistics further highlight the gravity of the situation, with one in seven people aged 16 and over in England and Wales having experienced stalking at least once.

What support looks like in Essex

Across Essex, victims/survivors of Domestic Abuse are supported by a strong network of services working together to keep people safe. Anyone experiencing stalking from an intimate partner can contact Compass, the countywide domestic abuse helpline, for advice, safety planning and access to specialist support.

Alison Gilmour, SETDAB Head of Domestic Abuse Partnership, said “Stalking is a devastating and deeply intrusive crime, no one should live in fear or feel watched, pursued or controlled. In Essex, we are committed to ensuring victims/survivors are believed, supported and protected, and that perpetrators are held to account. Our Partnership members are committed to strengthening our response to domestic abuse while investing in prevention and behaviour change.”

Continued grant funding means Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) can continue to support victims across Essex who work directly with victims, helping them understand their rights, navigate the criminal justice process and apply for protection orders where needed. For people causing harm, The Change Project delivers the only stalkingspecific behaviourchange programme in the county, aiming to reduce risk by addressing harmful and obsessive behaviours at their source.

Agencies across policing, health, social care, education and specialist charities work closely together to identify highrisk cases early, share information and coordinate a joined up safeguarding response.

Victims/survivors can also access wider domestic abuse support, including independent advisors, emotional and therapeutic help, refuge and housing options, and practical safety measures to help them feel secure in their homes and communities.

Support is available

If you recognise these behaviours, whether you’re worried about yourself, someone you know, or your own behaviour help is available.

Compass is the single point of contact for domestic abuse support across Essex.

If you need more information or support, organisations like Compass, Essex Police and SETDAB, can provide assistance.

If you are affected by issues raised in this article, there is help available from your local domestic abuse service Essex Compass, call 0330 333 7 444.

If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.