The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has issued statutory guidance for independent stalking advocate caseworkers (ISACs).
That’s to make sure all ISACs meet new legal requirements and match up to best practice.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey said: “Stalking is a crime, which slowly creeps into virtually every area of a victim’s life, causing massive amounts of damage.
“That’s why it’s important that all victims get the best possible help and support is not dictated by a postcode lottery.”
Four characteristics of stalking
Four characteristics define stalking behaviour. They are:
- Fixated: A strong, often irrational, focus on the victim.
- Obsessive: Spending significant time and resources on the behaviour.
- Unwanted: The actions are unwanted by the victim.
- Repeated: The unwanted behaviour occurs more than once.
The PCC’s office has funded two specialist stalking advocates (ISACS) since 2023. They are employed by national charity The Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
ISAC Services
ISAC services were introduced due to the scale of stalking and harassment offences in the Cleveland Police force area. Previously, no specialist advocacy was available for victims of stalking, unless the stalking was a feature of broader domestic abuse.
Latest figures issued by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) have shown a dramatic fall in the number of incidents of stalking and harassment across Cleveland.
In the year to the end of September 2025, there was a 13 per cent fall in the number of incidents compared to the previous quarter. Figures have been falling every quarter for the past year.
If you – or anyone you know – has been affected by stalking, go to our website for help and information:
Stalking and harassment – Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner