Launching the Welsh version of our “That’s stalking!” video

We were proud to launch, on the first day of National Stalking Awareness Week 2022, the Welsh version of our three-minute animated video highlighting the dangers of stalking. This is now being delivered into schools throughout Wales.

The English version of the video has been available since December 2021 and has been disseminated widely. It is three minutes long and features two friends discussing the behaviour of an ex-partner. This is duly recognised as stalking, safety advice is given, and the victim is supported in making a police report. The aim of the video is to raise awareness of seemingly ‘low risk’ behaviours and encourage people to seek help.

WATCH OR DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO:

 

For the English version of the video see here.

 

Faith McCready, National Lead for the Wales Police Schools Programme, said:

“The Wales Police Schools Programme has been delighted to support the Alice Ruggles Trust to provide a Welsh version of their excellent animation showing how a friend can support a person who is experiencing stalking.  Our work in schools enables us to highlight important topics, and to empower children and young people to identify when things go wrong in relationships, to know the law and how they can get help and report their concerns to the Police.  Stalking and other aspects of Violence Against Women and Girls must be stopped, and this short film will help many young people recognise harmful relationships.”

 

The Welsh Government’s Minster for Social Justice, Jane Hutt said:

“Our commitment as a Welsh Government is clear, Violence against women and girls must be stopped. Harassment, abuse and violence are daily occurrences for women and have conditioned their lives for far too long.

Stalking is an abhorrent crime and is a prime example of the misuse of power and control that typifies violence against women and girls. Stalking is designed to cause fear, alarm and distress for victims. It is persistent, it is intrusive and it ruins lives. And, appallingly, the data shows us it is increasing. We must make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable, unwanted, offensive and objectionable. Wales will not be a bystander to abuse.

Where it is safe to do so, we want our communities to call out inappropriate behaviours and offer support, this includes men being empowered to engage with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour, including stalking and harassment, among their friends, colleagues and communities to promote a culture of equality and respect.

The Welsh Government is pleased to have funded the Welsh translation of the ‘Stalking’ animation produced by the Alice Ruggles Trust, being launched during Stalking Awareness Week.  We want to encourage anyone concerned, triggered by or experiencing VAWDASV, to seek support.”

 

Clive Ruggles said:

“We’re immensely grateful to the Welsh Government for funding the translation of our three-minute animated video into Welsh. It is so important to get the message about the dangers of stalking and the need to seek help across to as many young people as possible, and the existence of the Welsh version alongside the English version will ensure that the video can now be disseminated in schools across Wales .”

 

Where to go for help

Wales – Live Fear Free helpline is a free, 24/7 service for all victims and survivors of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence and those close to them, including family, friends and colleagues. Live Fear Free can be contacted by call, text, chat or email.

 

The National Stalking Helpline can be reached on 0808 802 0300, 09:30 –16:00 (Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri) 09:30 – 20:00 Wednesdays. The Helpline is not open on weekends or bank holidays. You can also email advice@stalkinghelpline.org at any time.