General News
28 October, 2024
Stalking is a crime
No to Violence CEO Phillip Ripper, Safe Steps manager Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Nina L., Victoria Police Family Violence Command's Acting Superintendent Tom Nairn, and Crime Stoppers Victoria CEO Stella Smith.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated behaviour which causes a person to feel distress, fear or worry about their safety or the safety of others.
This includes loitering near a victim’s house, posting and commenting on social media, interfering with someone’s property, or keeping someone under surveillance.
Stalking is not a single incident.
Potential offenders can be an ex-partner, a family member or friend, a colleague, someone who lives in the same town, or even a complete stranger.
Victoria Police Family Violence Command's Acting Superintendent Tom Nairn said stalking was a growing problem, with the misuse of technology and social media making it easier for offenders to hide and to access victims.
“Stalking can happen to anyone at any time,” Superintendent Nairn said.
“It’s incredibly harmful behaviour and perpetrators need to be held to account."
Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show there were 2642 stalking offences reported in the year to March 2024.
More than half of these reports were related to family violence.
Crime Stoppers chief executive Victoria Stella Smith said as family violence offences continued to rise, it is important to increase the awareness of stalking and the harm it causes.
“We want people to feel empowered to address any stalking behaviour and to know where to turn for support,” Ms Smith said.
“Stalking is a serious crime.
"We want to ensure Victorians understand the severity of it, that they are not alone, and that they can be confident in seeking help.”
The new campaign “Stalking is a Crime” was launched with a panel discussion at Swinburne University.
It featured representatives from Victoria Police, Crime Stoppers Victoria, Safe Steps and No to Violence.
The panel provided an in-depth discussion about the dangers of stalking and how to recognise the signs of stalking, and offered attendees insights into stalking prevention.
“If you suspect or know it’s occurring to someone, please speak up,” Superintendent Nairn said.
“The more information we have, the more we can do something about it to keep victims safe.”
In an emergency or if there is a current or imminent threat to someone’s safety, always call 000.
If you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
Alternatively, speak to a police officer directly or visit the local police station at any time.
If you have information about someone being stalked, call Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
There are also support services and more information available on the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.