How we tackle stalking and harassment

Cheshire Constabulary is committed to dealing with reports of stalking and harassment very seriously. In 2009, the national Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and Honour Based Violence (DASH) checklist was introduced to ensure all police services and a large number of partner agencies across the UK use a common checklist for identifying and assessing risk.

The DASH checklist has been adopted by Cheshire Constabulary and its partners. The main aims of this are:

  • To save lives through early risk identification, intervention and prevention.
  • To create a standardised tool to refer cases to the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), to share information and manage risk effectively.

Our specially trained officers act on the information provided in the most appropriate way and work with partner agencies to ensure those suffering the consequences of stalking and harassment get the best possible support and advice from everyone involved in their welfare.

If there is a pattern of harassing behaviour, then officers will always seek to apprehend the stalker and hold them to account for their actions.

It is not necessary to warn the stalker in the first instance or give them words of advice. Harassment is a crime which is best tackled through prosecution. Cheshire Constabulary will seek to support you throughout this process in partnership with our multi-agency partners.

Anyone who is being stalked or harassed should come forward to get the assistance that Cheshire Constabulary is able provide.