PCC’s new support service for victims of stalking

THE POLICE and Crime

Commissioner in Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, has launched a new service to improve support for victims of stalking.

The Thames Valley Stalking Service will provide specialist support to the victims of stalking in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.

The service will be handled by Aurora New Dawn, a charity which gives support to those affected by domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence.

The office of the PCC will award the charity £120,000 annually for the next three years to deliver the service.

Victims First will also work with the service to manage referrals, assess victims, and determine how best to administer support.

Matthew Barber said: “I am pleased we are able to offer specialist provision to help those affected by stalking in the Thames Valley and to be working with Aurora New Dawn who have proven expertise in this area.

“The service forms a key part of my strategy launched last year to improve the safety of women and girls in the Thames Valley.

“Stalking can affect every area of a victim’s life with stalking behaviours potentially experienced

By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

SEVENTY FOUR competitors stepped up to the oche to fight it out in Burghfield Darts’ first event of the year.

Two competitions took place across the day at Burghfield Community Sports Association with 58 competitors taking part in the men’s event, while 16 women participated in the ladies event.

With the men’s event being split into nine groups for a round robin before progressing to either the knockout stages or the plate competition.

The men’s final, contested between Jason Heaver and Steve Wells, was won by Steve who managed to complete a fantastic turnaround from 4-1 down to come out with a 5-4 victory to take the title.

The women’s event saw Kelly Ellis come out on top against Kacey-Jade Ella Witcher to take the crown.

The men’s plate contest saw Andrew McNeilaitken defeat John Smith in the final.

Patricia Lewington succeeded in the women’s plate after beating Tiffany Cross in the final.

Burghfield Darts Events organises a range of events across the year, including knockout tournaments, and occasionally welcoming big names. Last August, Luke Humphries attended.

n For more details, search Facebook for Burghfield Darts Events over long periods of time, leading to emotional and psychological distress and fear.”

He continued: “It is important that victims get the support they need to cope with the impact on their lives and move forward.

“This may include helping them cope emotionally, practical safeguarding advice as well as advocacy and guidance to empower them and help them feel safe as they navigate the criminal justice process.”

Aurora New Dawn’s Chief Executive, Dr Shonagh Dillon, said: “Victims of stalking need long term support outside of the criminal justice system.

“Far too often, responsibility falls primarily to police officers who have to navigate stalking scenarios without professional support from trained experts.

“This is why we are incredibly pleased to work with Thames Valley to deliver Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker support to victims of stalking offences in the area.

“This partnership enables us to work with victims and professionals to ensure that everyone gets the best support possible, in a way that has not previously been available to stalking victims in the area.”