National Stalking Awareness Week: What Businesses Should Know and How to Help
This National Stalking Awareness Week (22–25 April), Sussex Police is shining a spotlight on the signs of stalking and the importance of early intervention. While the national campaign focuses on the role of healthcare workers, this message is just as relevant for those working in the retail and night-time economy.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Whether you’re on the shop floor or managing a busy night-time venue, you and your team are uniquely placed to spot early warning signs of stalking and offer a potential lifeline to someone in distress.
Stalking affects 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men, and victims often suffer in silence. On average, a victim will experience over 100 incidents before recognising the behaviour as criminal. As frontline staff, your interaction with the public gives you an opportunity to notice patterns or behaviours others may miss.
What Stalking Might Look Like in Your Setting
Stalking is not always obvious. It can include:
In-person behaviours: A customer repeatedly loitering near a colleague or another customer, appearing at the same time every day without a clear reason, or following someone into your venue.
Unwanted contact: Persistent calls, messages, or social media contact aimed at an employee or regular visitor.
Gifts or notes: This could include leaving items at the workplace, particularly if they’re unwanted or anonymous.
Aggressive questioning or fixation: Someone asking repeatedly about another person’s whereabouts, shift patterns, or private life.
How You Can Help
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Here’s how you and your team can respond:
Create a safe space: If a customer or staff member seems distressed or fearful, discreetly ask if they’re okay or if they need help.
Don’t dismiss concerns: Trust your instincts or those of your team. If someone says they feel uncomfortable, take it seriously.
Record and report: Make a note of incidents, times, dates, descriptions, and any CCTV coverage. These can be critical for police investigations.
Refer to the police or support services: Encourage victims to contact Sussex Police or specialist support providers like Veritas Justice. If it’s a staff member, offer internal support and consider adjusting work patterns temporarily for their safety.
What Happens When It’s Reported
Sussex Police has a specialist unit—the Complex Domestic Abuse and Stalking Unit (CDASU)—which supports high-risk victims and manages offenders. Victims can be safeguarded through warning markers, protective equipment, and referrals to Veritas Justice for specialist support.
Offenders may be issued Stalking Protection Orders or fitted with tracking tags to ensure they stay away from victims. These measures are backed by intervention programmes proven to reduce reoffending.
The Bigger Picture
As Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne puts it, “If you don’t understand something, you can’t tackle it effectively.” By knowing what stalking looks like and understanding how it can present in your workplace, you can play a vital part in supporting someone’s safety and recovery.
Let’s Stay Vigilant, Together
Brighton & Hove’s business community is known for its care and commitment to safety. This week is a powerful reminder: stalking is not just a police issue—it’s a community one. By being aware, compassionate, and informed, you can help make our city a safer place for everyone.